Mexico has established quite a good reputation in horse racing and horse breeding over the years. We’ve seen many high-level jockeys coming from Mexico and their history in horse racing dates back hundreds of years.
There are many Mexican horse breeds out there, and most of them turn out to be really successful in the world of horse racing. So, don’t be surprised to see one of the breeds below included in the Breeders Cup picks by TwinSpires.
Let’s check some of the most popular Mexican horse breeds. We’ll discuss their records, temperament, and different critical factors to bear in mind while selecting a Mexican horse breed for you or equipping yourself with knowledge about which horses to look out for in a horse race.
History of Mexican Horse Breeds
There are plenty of Mexican breeds and the horse selection in this country is incredibly diverse, dating once more to the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the sixteenth century. The Spanish introduced them to a variety of horses, consisting of the Andalusian, Arabian, and Barb.
These horses have been bred with nearby Mexican stock, creating a brand-new type of horse that adapted to the climate and terrain of Mexico.
Over time, Mexican horse breeds evolved into different wonderful kinds, everyone with their personal specific characteristics. Some of the most popular Mexican horse breeds that have proven themselves over the years are the Criollo, Paso Fino, and Azteca.
Most Popular Mexican Horse Breeds
The Azteca
There is no doubt that the Azteca is one of the most popular horse breeds coming from Mexico that was developed in the early 20th century. This horse breed is a unique combination between American Quarter Horse, Andalusian, and Peruvian Paso.
This horse breed is known for its intelligence, impeccable athleticism, and willingness to please the riders. In other words, it is the perfect breed for professional horse races.
The Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is a relatively new horse breed that was developed in the 1970s by combining the bloodlines of American Quarter Horses and Peruvian Pasos. Even though this breed didn’t get a lot of success on the horse racing field, it is known for its smooth gaits, docile nature, and intelligence.
So, even though we are talking about a relatively new breed, it is still very popular in the horse community.
The Criollo
One of the oldest breeds in Mexico is the Criollo. This horse breed is thought to be a descendant of the Spanish horses that were brought over during the conquest of Mexico.
It adapted to the terrain quite easily and it is without a doubt the best horse breed when it comes to endurance. The Criollo is also known for its sure-footedness and hardiness.
The Pinto
Even though the Pinto isn’t technically a separate breed, their unique appearance makes them really popular around the world. The Pinto horses are known for their sports or patches of white on their coat, and they are beautiful and unique horses.
What are the Advantages of Mexican Horse Breeds
If we look at all the horses we mentioned in this article we can spot a trend where Mexican breeds are known for their endurance, agility, and intelligence.
They are also sure-footed, which means that their ability to jump comes naturally. Since there is a diverse population of different horse breeds in Mexico all coming with unique abilities, they are great for a variety of tasks such as tail riding, racing, and working cattle.
Additionally, Mexican breeds are one of the most beautiful creatures in the horse world that come with unique colors and patterns. They are in most cases loved for their elegant and unique appearance. So whether you like a horse to compete or simply enjoy its company and appearance, Mexican horses are perfect for it.
