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The Azteca |
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The Azteca |
The Azteca is obtained from a registered Andalusian mare or stallion crossed with a registered Quarter Horse stallion or mare. An Andalusian stallion crosses with a Quarter Horse mare is the most common cross. As long as neither parent breed exceeds 6/8 of the whole, successive generations may be bred back and forth. Parti-color in Aztecas is not a concern, and the Andalusian once had color back in history. If the Quarter Horse bloodlines can be proved in registered Paint stock they are also allowed as parents.
Usually born black or dark, an Azteca turns grey with time. The gene for grey color is a dominant gene and is predominant in Andalusians. Foals which do not turn grey are not common in the Azteca breed. An Andalusian that is not grey will not produce grey offspring, and consequently a grey Azteca would not be obtained here.
In 1972, the Mexicans began crossing Andalusians and Quarter Horses. This new breed is used for a variety of activities throughout Mexico. The most common uses are found on ranches, in bull rings and in rodeos by the Mexican "Charros" (cowboys). In Mexico, you will find that the bulls are not gentle and easily herded like they are in the United States. They are bred to be independent and nasty. Aztecas are bred to their quickness and intelligence, and have saved many riders from certain death by the bulls. The Aztecas are also prized for their superb, gentle ride and style of movement.
The "pure Spanish" horse has been renowned for centuries for its cow sense, and it came to the American continent with the Conquistadors; Since the Mexican Quarter Horse, as well as the American Quarter Horse, is descended from the pure Spanish horse, the Mexicans began reaching back into the original gene pool; the Azteca is as prized as the Andalusian in Mexico.
Similarities in temperament and athletic ability between the Andalusian and the Quarter Horse make the Azteca a popular Andalusian cross. The Azteca retains the freedom of front shoulder movement, flair of style, improved bone and hoof of the Andalusian. The full, flowing mane and tail are the icing on the cake here. The Azteca also carries the wide-set eyes of the Andalusian, and is truly a beautiful breed.
How about the temperament of the Andalusian? A Quarter Horse is usually calm and gentle, easily trained and very tractable, traits passed on from its forefather, the Spanish horse. The Spanish stallions were decreed to be ridden by kings and gentlemen for centuries. The very gentlest of these horses were bred, otherwise the noblemen ended up on the ground and the breeder got into serious trouble.
The result of the breeding of the Quarter Horse back to the original Conquistador horse was a horse with the arrogance, class and spirit of the Andalusian, and the strength, nobility, and agility of the Quarter Horse. The goal of the Azteca is to have a good balance between both breeds. Ideally an Azteca should not be too tall not too short and stocky. Good conformation includes a lean head, well-muscled neck and legs, straight back and a rounded croup. A long, flowing mane and tail, expressive eyes, and small ears are also characteristic of the breed. Most Aztecas are white or grey with bays being rare. Height measurements are 14.3 hh for mares and 15 hh for colts.
A large-boned breed, the Azteca should not be ridden until 3 years old. Many aspects of the Azteca make it a desirable breed to own - beautiful paces and easy to train, responding brilliantly to disciplines that require suspended and elevated gaits. There is a lot of agility in the action of their front legs, which is not usually seen in the Quarter Horse. Aztecas have proven themselves as cowhorses and they have performed well as hunters and jumpers. Known for its natural cow instinct, the Azteca excels in all working ranch endeavors.
When breeding Aztecas, the resulting horse must maintain a blood ratio of not more than 6/8 Andalusian or Quarter Horse blood. Any horse with 7/8 Quarter Horse or Andalusian blood is ineligible to be registered. The goal in mind is to keep the offspring as close to half Quarter Horse and half Andalusian blood while breeding Aztecas to Aztecas. The fifth generation of Aztecas is considered pure Azteca.
Guidelines followed by the Mexican Registry allow the Quarter Horse to be quarter type only, not necessarily registered, while on the other hand they are strict about the registration of the Andalusian. The Andalusian temperament is very important - the sweet, docile expression largely the reason Andalusians stallions in Mexico are not gelded. Color is also extremely important, with absolutely no paints allowed in the registry.
Quite different in its direction for the Azteca breed, the American Registry believes strongly in developing a breed for conformation and temperament, thus resulting in some tension between the founders of both registries. Color is considered here a very elusive and fun thing to play with. The American Registry is more particular about the Quarter Horse bloodlines and requires registration. Acceptance of paint bloodlines allows good quarter type to enter the breed. Eventually Appaloosas with predominant Quarter Horse bloodlines may be allowed. The independence of the American Registry does not delight the Mexican Registry, although its founder offered to type all the American Aztecas.
The Azteca can be registered with several different registries, with the American and Mexican Registries both accepting an Azteca as long as it does not reach 7/8 Andalusian or Quarter Horse. First generation Aztecas may be bred to a registered purebred Andalusian, or a registered purebred Quarter Horse. The American Andalusian Association accepts the half Andalusian of the Azteca and the Half Quarter Horse Registry accepts the half Quarter Horse of the Azteca. The International Andalusian Association recently merged with the American Andalusian Association overcoming previous differences of opinion about the Azteca.
Only horses that have both parents registered may be registered in the American Azteca Registry. To meet the requirements of registration, you fill out the registration form, pay the fees, and provide 4 photos of the horse (one of each side), and send copies of the sire's and dam's papers. The owner of the mare at foaling is considered to by the original foal owner. When a dam is leased, a copy of that lease would be needed for the files, and the of the ranch at the time of foaling will be included in the foal's name, except when that right is waived.
In the United States, an Azteca is easier to afford than the purebred Andalusian. With most Andalusian babies starting at about $8,000 and most breeding fees from $800 to $1500, you can see why those wanting the characteristics of an Andalusian try a cross first. This only seems to wet the appetite for a purebred.
For more information on Aztecas, visit:
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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