History
The Azteca is a breed of horse that originates from Mexico. In the late 1900’s it was established by crossing Spanish horses with American Quarter horses and the native south American horse breed known as the Criolla.
The Azteca was purpose bred to produce a horse with the athleticism, sureness, and cow working ability to handle and excel in the demanding work required on the mexican cattle ranches.
The purpose of the originators of the breed was to develop a horse that had all the characteristics, flair, elegance and trainability of their beloved Spanish horse with the added strength, bone and muscle of the cow working foundation Quarter Horses.
They needed a horse that was versatile, strong, brave with a quick mind that was easily trained.
Keep in mind these horses were specifically bred to be able to perform in and deal with the demands of the traditions of the Charros (Mexican cowboys) including participating in the events of the coleadero y charreada, a specific type of Mexican rodeo.
As you can imagine the Azteca horse of the highest quality would have had amazing presence, looks and ability to really stand out in all these areas of performance.
The first official Azteca Stallion who was named Casarejo was a cross between an Andalusian Stallion named Ocultado and a Quarter Horse mare named Americana, he was foaled in 1972 and within just 10 years the Azteca horse breed had earned the title of the National Horse of Mexico.
To this day the Azteca is a highly regarded horse breed in Mexico and in other countries around the world including America which has its own registry for the American Azteca horse.
The Azteca horse recognized by Mexico allows only the blood lines of these three foundation breeds. The Spanish (Andalusian), the American Quarter horse and the Criolla. The American version of the Azteca horse includes the American Paint Horse in its foundation breeds. The Australasian Azteca horse registry has included the Australian Paint Horse and the Australian Andalusian and also allows for any Australian Quarter horse studbook registered horses to be recognized in the parentage.
Characteristics
The Azteca horse breed is truly a unique type; it needs to exhibit key traits and conformational qualities to keep it distinct and recognizable.
The shoulder and neck set would ideally still hold to the standard of the Spanish horse with the action and gaits of the horse also being easily recognized and familiar as Spanish in type.
The set of the shoulders and power of the hindquarters allows for the needed collection and manoeuvrability required to excel in so many events and disciplines, a true all rounder the Azteca could be in a street parade one day and working cattle the next.
A noble medium sized head with either distinct Spanish convex character to a more straight profile, narrowing towards the muzzle is desirable with large eyes that appear, kind, expressive and are ideally a triangular shape placed within an orbital arch.
The Australasian Azteca horse can stand between 14.2 hands to 16.2 hands.
The Australasian Azteca horse may be found in all solid colors and white markings and patterns are also allowed.