We have discussed the Azteca before, I wrote a blog post on them a while back, and now I am writing again on the Azteca as I just love both variations. The Mexican Azteca is not as physically attractive as the American Azteca, or at least that's my opinion. 

First, lets give an overview of the Mexican Azteca: the Mexican Azteca is an extension of the Spanish horse, although a vast majority of horses in Mexico are still of direct Spanish stock;the Azteca has grown to be very popular, so much so it is now an established breed.

The Mexican Azteca stands 14.3-15 hands high. It has standard Warmblood comformation and comes in all slid colors. The Mexican Azteca has a slightly convex profile, medium head and slightly arched neck. Long shoulders lead to a Short, well-muscled back and strong legsm

Mexican Aztecas originated in Mexico in 1972,the United States registry for them opened in 1989. The first horses were develope by crossing Andalusion stallions with Quarter Horse and Criollo mares(Criollo horses are a small, Spanish breed of horse, perhaps I'll post about them next). In order to qualify as a Mexican Azteca, the bloodlines crossing back and forth for the resulting offspring must be no more than 6/8 of one breed. Anymore and it isn't accepted. 

Because of the introduction of Spanish horses to Mexico by conquistadors, the Azteca and it's ancestors have become standard mounts of the country. Only in 1972 did Mexico attempt to develop its own breed. Aztecas have become so popular(and for good reason) throughout the country that breeders are having a hard time keeping up with the demand of foals. 

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... .. . .... ...... . . . . . . . . .  American Azteca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Americans saw the Azteca, a beautiful horse, and wanted one similar, but without taking away from the original. So they came up with the American Azteca, keeping Mexican traits but adding an American flair(as only we can do).  The American Azteca measures 14-16.1 hands high. To get an American Azteca you cross an Andalusion with either a Quarter Horse or Paint horse. All AQHA and APHA colors and patterns are accepted(black bay is lovely and sooty buckskin is gorgeous).  They can have no more than 1/4 Thoroughbred blood. AA(American Azteca) have medium heads, slightly concave profiles with a broad forehead and medium(or large) ears. They have expressive eyes and a well muscled,shapely,arched neck with a medium crest. A broad base joins with long, sloping shoulders and broad, well muscled withers. Strong haunches and a medium to low set tail compliment dense legs, good joints and strong hooves(very, very strong hooves) 

The Andalusion allows for a free shoulder and hip giving one(a very, very, very Lucky one, she knows who she is) an athletic and smooth ride. They also have high knee action or long and flowing action. 

The American Azteca can have no more than 3/4 Andalusion or QH Blood.

this is a Mexican Azteca and below is an American Azteca. I find the AA more attractive than the Mexican which tends to favor its Criollo and QH side more than its Andalusion side.