Horse
Breed Description:
The Azteca breed of horse is a horse that originated in Mexico as a riding horse, light draft horse and farm horse. The head is typically narrow with small, upright ears, large expressive eyes and a straight or sometimes slightly convex profile. The neck is slightly arched and usually well muscled, attached to the shoulders with a high wither. The back is straight and attached to a broad rounded hindquarter with a long flowing tail. The girth is full and deep and the shoulder is sloping and long. The legs are well-muscled with well developed joints and long, thin cannons. The hooves are well shaped. Any solid coat color is permitted in the breed. These horses have a naturally collected movement with medium to high knee action.
Temperament:
The Azteca breed of horse is gentle, willing and trainable. They love to work and are known for being proud and courageous. They are prized for their lively, happy and obedient temperament.
Height:
The Azteca breed of horse stands between 14.1 to 15.2 hands for the females and 14.2 to 15.3 hands for the males.
Weight:
The Azteca breed of horse generally weighs between 700 and 1100 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Azteca breed of horse is a healthy and robust breed of horse with no unusual health problems. They are hardy, frugal and not prone to unsoundness.
Living Conditions:
The Azteca breed of horse requires the standard level of care for any horse. Adequate shelter, food and water must be provided.
Exercise:
The Azteca breed of horse is suitable for just about any type of horse sport that requires agility, power and speed. They enjoy regular exercise and have had much success in many types of activities including dressage, bull fighting, reining, polo, trail riding, endurance riding and driving.
Life Expectancy:
The Azteca breed of horse has an average life span for a horse. Depending on management and environment, these horses can live to 25 or 30 years of age.
Grooming:
The Azteca breed of horse requires no special grooming. Like all horses, they will enjoy and benefit from daily grooming and should have their feet cleaned out daily as well. They do tend to have a silky coat and can be brilliantly shiny if groomed properly.
Origin:
The Azteca is a relatively recent breed having taken the place of the now extinct Mexican Criollo. The origins of this breed begin in 1972 when Andalusian stallions were crossed with Quarter Horse mares and vice versa and also mixed with Criollo bloodlines. The purpose for producing this breed was to combine the qualities of the Quarter Horse with that of the Andalusian and the Criollo. The result has been an elegant, hardy and good looking horse that is well suited for pleasure riding as well as competitive equestrian sports. 