Why This is Important to Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s agricultural sector may find opportunities for their equine-related products in Mexico.
Horses play an important role in Mexico’s economy. Mexico has the second-largest horse population in the world, with 6.4 million in 2022, according to the World Population Review. In rural areas of Mexico, horses are often used in agriculture; they are also common in transportation and recreation, the report said.
Only the U.S. surpassed Mexico, with 10.3 million horses, or 18% of the world’s population of the animals. In the U.S., they are primarily used for riding, racing, and ranch work.
The Azteca is considered the national horse breed in Mexico. Mexican cowboys developed the Azteca in the 1970s to be sturdy enough for ranch work but agile and savvy in rodeo arenas, according to an article in Western Horseman. Aztecas came about by breeding Quarter Horse and Criollo mares to Andalusian and Lusitano stallions from Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula, the article said.
Quarter Horse, Friesian, Spanish, and Thoroughbred are also popular horse breeds in Mexico. According to Mexico’s National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service, the states with the largest horse populations are Durango, Guanajuato, and Chihuahua.
A January 2025 government news release said Mexico is one of eight countries worldwide with the best animal health status, indicating they are free of the five most devastating animal diseases, including African horse sickness.
The majority of products in Mexico used to care for and clean horses, as well as food supplements and medicines, are imported mainly from U.S. companies.
Wisconsin businesses in the equine field may find interest for their products in Mexico.
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