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Breed Profile: Azteca

Warmblood

OVERVIEW
The Azteca is an extension of the Spanish horse. Although a majority of the horses in Mexico are still of direct Spanish stock, the Azteca has become very popular in the few years that it has been an established breed.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Standing 14.3 to 15 hands high, the Azteca is of standard warmblood conformation. It comes in all solid colors and shows a narrow head with a slightly convex profile. The neck is slightly arched, the back short with good muscle, the shoulders long and the legs also well muscled.

ORIGIN
Development of the Azteca in Mexico began in 1972. The United States registry was opened in 1989. The first horses were developed by crossing the Andalusian with the Quarter Horse. Other crosses have been made with the Criollo. The standards set down by the registry allow for bloodlines to be crossed back and forth as long as the resulting horses are no more than six-eighths of one breed.

INTERESTING FACTS
Due to the introduction of Spanish horses to Mexico by the conquistadors, the Azteca and its ancestors have become the standard mount of the country. Not until 1972, however, did Mexico attempt to develop its own breed. The Azteca has since become so popular throughout the country that breeders can not keep up with the demand for Azteca foals.

INFLUENCES
1. Andalusian 2. Quarter Horse 3. Criollo

For more information:
Azteca Horse Owners Association

Breed Profiles borrowed with permission from http://cowboyfrank.net

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