- Azteca - |
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 The Azteca, a very modern breed developed in Mexico around 1972, was established with the combined efforts of several Mexican organizations, all of which I cannot pronounce and are to long to write right now. The Azteca has increased in popularity and has grown to challenge the place of the Native Mexican, or the Mexican Criollo. These horses have rigorously been selectively bred since 1972 and strict breeding codes are enforced to ensure the continued success of the breed. This breed evolved through the crossbreeding of Andalusian stallions with Quarter Horse mares or vice versa, or by crossing approved Criollo mares with Andalusian stallions. In order to cement the best qualities of three different breeds in one horse, the crossbreeding of the Azteca was very scientifically researched. The most common of the cross breeds is the cross of an Andalusian stallion with a Quarter Horse mare. Subsequent generations can then, consequently, be bred back and forth. The offspring of these horse must always be 6/8 or less of any of the individual breeds. In 1992, the International Azteca Horse Association was set up to oversee the continuing success and development of the Azteca breed and at the same time, affiliated associations were formed in Canada and America. Currently, there are around a thousand Aztecas registered with the International Association, with this figure increasing daily. These horses are elegant, attractive, and are versatile and athletic, combining all the best qualities of the Andalusian and the Quarter Horse. They are suitable for any type of riding, including competitive fields and light draft and farm work. The Azteca generally has an excellent temperament and is known for being calm-minded, energetic, intelligent, and willing. In appearance they have attractively Spanish shaped heads with small alert ears and large eyes. They have muscular, well set necks with a gentle arch, and nicely sloping shoulders. They should be nice and deep and wide through the chest, have prominent withers and a straight back with muscular hindquarters. The legs are strong and sturdy with good joints, long cannon bones, and well-formed feet. Aztecas can be any solid color, and the females must exceed 14.3 hands high while the males must exceed 15 hands high.
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