Updated: 2 Aug 00

Appaloosa Horses

Markings

History

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The Appaloosa is has a colorful and unique coat pattern. The horses are noticeable and recognized by its spots and splashes of color, abilities, and beauty. People have recognized and appreciated these spotted horses throughout history, from ancient cave drawings dating from at least 20,000 years ago. Other distinctive characteristics that the horses has are: coat patterning, mottled skin, white sclera, and striped hooves. Some Appaloosas may not have all four characteristics.

Mottled skin is unique to the Appaloosa Horse. Mottled skin is a basic and decisive indicator of the Appaloosa horse. Mottled skin is commonly found as pink (flesh-colored or non-pigmented) skin that contains dark areas of pigmented skin within its area. Mottled skin is around the muzzle and eyes. It is a speckled or blotchy pattern of pigmented and non-pigmented skin.

The sclera is the area of the eye which encircles the cornea. The cornea is the colored or pigmented portion. All horses have sclera but the Appaloosa's is white and usually more visible than in other breeds.

Many Appaloosas will have bold and clearly defined vertically light or dark striped hooves.

The coat pattern are from a sprinkle or white to an all spotted leopard. They come in a lot of different colors and combinations.