What is an Azteca Horse?
Celebrated throughout Mexico, the Azteca breed remains far more rare elsewhere in the world. Many experienced horsemen and women haven’t even heard of them, and few have ever met or ridden one. But these versatile horses are actually the result of crossing some of the most popular breeds on earth.
The Azteca is the first breed developed in Mexico and also holds distinguished title of the National Horse of Mexico. The traditional Azteca is created by breeding an Andalusian to a Quarter Horse, but the American Azteca variation allows Andalusian/Paint crosses.
Fun Fact: Horse Rookie’s founder owns a bay tobiano American Azteca gelding named Jax, shown above!
Photo source: iStock
The National Horse of Mexico
After the Spanish conquest of Central America in the late 1400s, the primary breed found in Mexico for centuries was the Andalusian. All of that changed in 1972 when the Azteca horse breeding program began.
At that time, the country’s horse breeders wanted to create a breed of horse that was uniquely Mexican.
This new horse should be able to handle the reining needs of the Charro (gentleman cowboy) and be able to work with cattle and perform other ranch duties.
What breeds make an Azteca horse?
Azteca horses are part Andalusian and part American Quarter Horse. Some crosses were made between Andalusian stallions and Criollo mares.
The Criollo is native to the Pampas region and is known for its endurance and stamina.
Though, to be a true Azteca horse, the horse may not be more than ¼ Criollo.
What makes an Azteca?
Breed Statistics
Because the breed is relatively new, and the result of a purposeful breeding program, the traditional Azteca horse has strict breeding standards.
Here is a wonderful example of the breed:
Azteca horse height
At maturity, an Azteca mare should be between 14.2 and 16 hands.
Azteca horses weight range
An average Azteca horse weighs between 1,000-1,200 pounds.
Coat color of Azteca horses
The most common color for Azteca horses is gray, but traditional Azteca horses can be any solid color (e.g. gray, black, chestnut, bay, palomino, dun).
The American Azteca Horse Association allows pinto markings due to Paint bloodlines.
Lifespan of Azteca horses
Azteca horses can live anywhere upwards of 30 years—they are very hearty horses.
Breed mentality
Azteca horses are known for their courage, flash, and heart. The selective breeding program ensures breed standards are upheld.
They are known for their calm demeanor and are usually easy to train. This comes from the need for the horse to be used in a working ranch setting.
Broadly speaking, Aztecas can be great first horses. They are bred to be calm and personable, but it’s important to evaluate every horse as an individual.
The cross of Andalusian, Quarter Horse and Criollo give the breed balanced gaits and the ability to excel in multiple disciplines.
Photo Cred: Canva
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Azteca horses good?
Yes! Azteca horses are known for their calm demeanor, athleticism, and beauty. This breed excels in both western and english disciplines.
Q: Are Azteca horses rare?
Azteca horses are the most prominent breed in Mexico, but they are much less well known in other countries.
Q: Are Azteca horses Warmbloods?
According to the International Museum of the Horse, Azteca horses are technically Warmbloods.
Q: Are Azteca horses good at dressage ?
Azteca horses are good at dressage and also excel in reining, pleasure riding, and even jumping.
Q: Where is the Azteca horse from?
Azteca horses are from Mexico. They are the National breed of Mexico.
Q: What breed are Mexican horses?
A lot of different breeds of horses can be found in Mexico. The most prominent are the Andalusian, Criollo, and Azteca.
Q: Does the US have a National Horse breed?
No, but 14 states have an “official state horse” and the official state animal of New Jersey is the horse.
Parting Thoughts
The National Horse of Mexico can now be found throughout the Americas, and the equestrian world is better for it!
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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Source
https://imh.org/exhibits/past/breeds-of-the-world/north-america/azteca/
