Appaloosas Breed Profile Explored
Equestrian News Release
An Appaloosa will certainly stand out in a crowd. This colorful, unique horse is known for its looks, but is remembered for much more. These horses have set records in many sports, and are known as an excellent family horse. So it is time to look beyond the speckled coat of the Appaloosa to find out what lies beneath this gentle breed.
History
The Appaloosa has Spanish roots, and is one of the first horses to make its way to North American soil. The Native American Indians were quickly turning to horses for a means of transportation and for use in battle, when the spotted horses in the herds began gaining more attention.
The Nez Perce of Washington, Oregon were said to be one of the first tribes to breed the Appaloosa’s specifically for their intelligence and speed. And it wasn’t long before white settlers began to eye the spotted beauties for their own use. They helped the tribe win many a battle, and kept the Nez Perce tribe going strong for many years. It wasn’t until the Nez Perce tribe was defeated, that the horses where surrendered to the victor that the white settlers got their hands on them. Little was done to preserve the breed, and many of the horses began to disappear.
Then in 1938, the Appaloosa Horse club was founded to help preserve the breed.
Today’s Appaloosas
Today, the breed is growing strong thanks to a number of loyal supporters. More than half a million Appaloosas are on record, with about 10,000 new horses registered and 26,000 members annually. (ansi.okstate.edu)
Appaloosas are often seen in the show ring, but many also claim the hearts of children and families everywhere.
Physical Attributes
The Appaloosa has some very unique and distinguishable physical characteristics. These include:
• Various coat patterns. This could be white over the loins and hips with dark spots or specks covering the entire body, or with the markings concentrated in the hip area. Other variations include white spots on dark, or white all over.
• Mottled skin- the skin of the Appaloosa will have different areas of non-pigmented skin and pigmented skin. This is most common on the soft underbelly of the horse and on its nose and lips, but can cover its entire body.
• White Sclera- Appaloosa’s will have a white area encircling the pupil of the horse’s eye. They will look similar to a human eye.
• Striped hooves- of vertical light and dark bands.
• Medium size ears
• Deep chest and long sloping shoulders
• Well defined, prominent withers
• Thin or sparse mane are common with this breed
• Weight: 950-1250 pounds
• Height: 14-16 hands
A Breed Worth Watching
Had it not been for the Appoloosa’s unique appearance, they may have never made it to where they are today. Their looks gave them a special place in the hearts of equine enthusiasts, and their personalities have kept them there. These gentle horses are defiantly here to stay, and are worth a second look.
Resources
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/appaloosa/index.htm
http://www.appaloosa.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appaloosa
http://www.amappaloosa.com/mainpage.cfm
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