The Azteca

The Azteca horse was the first breed developed in Mexico, and was the result of crossing Andalusians with quarter horses and criollos. The Conquistadors had turned many of their Spanish-bred Haca and andalusian horses loose in Mexico rather than taking them home aboard their ships, and those horses gradually made their way into the American southwest. There, the native Indians used them for hunting buffalo and fighting wars, and they became prized possessions.

Horses with Spanish blood have always be favored in Mexico and in 1972, a breed crossing andalusians, quarter horses and criollos was created. The Azteca breed was officially granted registry by the Mexican Department of Agriculture in 1982.

The Azteca breeding program began by crossing Spanish andalusian stallions with quarter horse mares or part-criollo mares. The Azteca must carry at least three-eighths to five-eighths andalusian or quarter horse blood, but not more than one-quarter criollo blood. The result is a beautiful animal, suited to both performance classes or pleasure riding.

An adult Azteca should be 14.1 to 15.2 hands for mares and 14.2 to 15.3 hands for stallions or geldings. They have attractive heads with a straight or slightly convex face, with lively, expressive eyes. A well-arched neck sports a flowing, thick mane.

The Azteca should have a deep chest and a short, straight and strong back. The hindquarters should be muscular, the legs strong and long with well-proportioned feet. All coat colors are allowed, except for paint and appaloosa markings or albinos. Their temperaments are generally lively, happy and willing to please.

Aztecas are suitable for most disciplines, from show jumping to bullfighting, and the Mexican charros (cowboys) find them excellent for roping, reining, cutting and all other ranch work.

For more information about the Azteca horse, contact

Azteca Horse Association of the United States

2613 Camino De Verdad, Mercedes, Texas 78570.

(210) 968-7610

Azteca Horse Assoc. of Canada

Karine Hayman

1590 Fifth Ave., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 6X5

(705) 748-6381 ride@trapalandaaztecas.com