The Azteca Horse
Photos & Story by Donna
Murphy
The Azteca Horse
combines the blood of both the new and the old world, resulting in a noble,
docile, agile, strong and spectacular horse. The American Azteca is the direct
result of crossing the American Quarter Horse with the Spanish Andalusian or
the Portuguese Lusitano who are part of the same registry (IALHA) here in the
United States. The expression "Spanish" blood refers to either the
Lusitano or the Andalusian, as the 2 breeds have a common genetic and historical
origin. Aztecas, true to their Spanish roots, are a very social breed: they
are very easy to train and once taught never forget. They tend to be much more
interested in humans than in horses and form a strong bond with their owners.
Their mellow, loving temperament, combined with extreme intelligence, makes
them a pleasure to work with.
History
In 1972 the Mexican Charros (cowboys) began a quest to produce a horse with
the agility, quickness and cow sense to work on their cattle ranches. They chose
the Andalusian to cross with their Quarter Horses and Criollo mares. The astounding
cross-produced a horse with speed, heart, stamina, grace, an outstanding disposition
for learning and versatility. The Azteca was born, and in the years following
has acquired much recognition and has earned the title of the "National
Horse of Mexico".
The Andalusian/Lusitano is an ancient and rare breed. They are very sturdy
with long sloping shoulders, natural collection, extremely sturdy legs and hooves.
These horses are sought after for their quiet temperament and are easily handled,
yet have a reserve of energy when called upon. Throughout history, their abilities
as warhorses contributed to the many military successes that Spain enjoyed.
Still today, these same skills are used in Spain and Portugal to work cattle
in the fields and in the ring for fighting bulls, where they carry their riders
with unimaginable grace and speed. Their unique athleticism inspired the creation
of modern dressage during the Renaissance and they still perform the classical
movements, including the "airs above the ground" that can be seen
in the spectacular presentations of the Royal Andalusian School and the Portuguese
School of Equestrian Art. Today, 80% of all modern breeds (including the Quarter
horse and the English Thoroughbred) trace back in some way to the illustrious,
ancient horse of Spain and Portugal.
Azteca Breed Description
This breed inherits beauty, temperament, pride, agility and spirit from their
Andalusian/Lusitano blood. Their strength 
and
speed is contributed from the Quarter Horse Blood. The first generation foundation
stock is 1/2 Quarter Horse and 1/2 Andalusian and can be registered as Half-Andalusians
by IALHA. The second-generation foundation stock is usually 3/4 Andalusian and
1/4 Quarter Horse. The third generation is the PURE AZTECA - 5/8 Andalusian
and 3/8 Quarter Horse or vice versa. Some second generation crosses are 3/4
Q H and 1/4 Andalusian.
Average size ranges from 15. to 16.1 hands. All AQHA and APHA marking and colors
are acceptable for the mares. The head is of medium size and can have a straight,
slightly convex or slightly concave profile with a broad forehead, expressive
eyes and medium ears that are mobile and well placed. The neck is well muscled
and slightly arched with a medium crest and a broad base where it joins on to
a long sloping shoulder. A long flowing mane and tail are often seen, which
come from the Spanish blood. The withers are broad and slightly muscled, yet
defined. The haunches, strong and well muscled lead to a well-set medium to
low tail. The legs have strong, dense bone, good joints and solid hooves that
many describe as "hooves of iron". The Spanish blood contributes to
free moving shoulders and hips, which allows the horses to be incredibly athletic
yet smooth to ride. Their movement is naturally collected with a variance of
knee action from high and brilliant to long and flowing. All of this creates
a horse anyone will be proud to own.
Like his Spanish
and Portuguese ancestry, the American Azteca Horse performs brilliantly in the
different equine disciplines requiring suspended and elevated gaits. They also
have the ability to be a skillful working cow horse or western horse. They can
and do excel at many events and in all disciplines. They are unrivaled when
it comes to versatility.
So whether you like English or Western, need a graceful dancer
or a cow horse, enjoy jumping, dressage, cutting, penning or reining or just
desire a wonderful companion for trail riding, take a look at the American Azteca.
They can do it all and do it well. The Azteca is an athlete that will win your
heart and have a promising future in this country as the premier pleasure horse.
They can be registered as an Azteca and/or be registered with the International
Andalusian/Lusitano Association as Half Andalusians/Lusitanos. The Azteca is
truly a horse of your dreams.
Note: The author, Donna Murphy bred her first Azteca in 1989. She has found
the breed to be a horse of her dreams, and since has been breeding and promoting
the breed. She currently is breeding her mares to 5 Lusitano stallions owned
and trained by world class trainer, JP Giacomini in the Houston area. She has
found his stallions to produce magnificent offspring. For more information about
the breed and how to become an Azteca owner please contact Donna at 830-906-4315,
or look up JP on his website at: www.equus.net
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