When Mexican cowboys began the search for a breed of horse that could handle the work on their ranches they wanted a mount with speed, heart, and stamina. They also wanted a horse that was surefooted and agile, with good cow sense and a willingness to learn. The result of their efforts was the Azteca.
Breeders crossed Andalusian and Lusitano stallions with Quarter Horse and Criollo mares in order to achieve the desired characteristics. They established the Association Mexicana de Criadores de Caballos de Raza Azteca in 1972 to establish the parameters for the breeding of this unique Mexican breed. The horses of this breed are very versatile and excel in a variety of disciplines. They are well suited for working cattle, competing in western dressage, and even jumping.
Generally, the Azteca is a well-muscled, athletic breed. They are typically in the range of 14 to 15 hands in height for males and 14 to 15.2 in height for females. This height was chosen to facilitate the roping of cattle and other ranch activities. They have a long, flowing mane and tail and their legs are well muscled.
Because they were bred to be fast, the Azteca is a powerful animal that can cover ground quickly. Their agility and intelligence make them good workhorses for herding cattle. This is why many owners still use them on their ranches today.
This breed has a high level of energy and tends to be more opinionated than other breeds. This is why they’re not always a good fit for younger or inexperienced riders. They usually require a confident, experienced owner who’s willing to take the time to train them.
Aztecas aren’t known for having any common health problems. However, like other horses they need to be fed a high-calorie diet that contains sufficient levels of protein and nutrients. If they aren’t fed properly, this can lead to weight loss and other health issues.
The azteca horse breed colors in spanish are black, bay, red, and gray. They can have white markings, but only if the horses are purebred. The breed’s history dates back to the early 1970s when Mexican cowboys began crossing Andalusian and Lusitano horses with Quarter Horse and Criollo mares. They developed this new breed to be both incredibly fast and intelligent, which led to its popularity on ranches across North America.