1989 for registering the US portion of the breed, followed by the Azteca Horse Owners Association in 1996 as an owners association. This registry has slightly different registration and breeding rules, and is not approved by the Mexican government to register Azteca horses. The American registry, now called the American Azteca Horse International Association, allows the use of American Paint horses, which are essentially Quarter Horses with pinto coloration, if they have less than 25 percent Thoroughbred breeding. However, the US registry does not incorporate Criollo bloodlines. The Mexican registry allows only the blood of Quarter Horses, Andalusians and Criollos in its registered Aztecas. Uses Because of the breeds that make up the Azteca, they are known for their athleticism. They have been seen in competition in western riding events such as reining, cutting, team penning and roping, as well as English riding events such as dressage and other events such as polo and bullfighting. They are also used for pleasure riding. Notes References External links American Azteca Horse International Association Asociación Mexicana de Criadores de Caballos de Raza Azteca (in Spanish) - Caballo Azteca Europa (in Spanish) Horse breeds American Quarter Horses Horse breeds originating in Mexico