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Updated: 2 Aug 00 |
Appaloosa Horses |
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The Appaloosa has a bold and colorful heritage, originating around 20,000 years ago. The appearance and unique qualities of the horse earned them special recognition in the drawings of cave dwellers, and made him a prized mount of Spanish explorers, Indians and western settlers. In today's world, the Appaloosa's color, versatility, willing temperament and athletic ability make them a popular choice for activities (like riding, showing, etc). The Appaloosa has been through the arts & history of several epic civilizations, like Egypt, Greece, Australia, Italy, China & Persia. Centuries later, when the Spanish brought Appaloosas to America, the horses had already seen much of the world & many of its greatest events. Appaloosa got its name from the white settlers in the Palouse region of eastern Washington & northern Idaho. They called them "a Palouse horse", a name later shortened to "Appalousey" & eventually to "Appaloosa". The Appaloosa horse & his name almost disappeared following the Nez Perce War of 1877. When the Appaloosa was taken from the Indians and, over the next 60 years, dispersed and subjected to random breeding. The unique Appaloosa characteristics, prized by the Indians, were in danger of being lost or severely diluted amid other less distinctive genetic traits. In 1938, a handful of horsemen joined together
with the aim of protecting the spotted horse. The Appaloosa Horse Club
was formed and the first breed identified by man began its return from
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