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The Appaloosa's heritage is as colorful and unique as its coat pattern. Usually noticed and recognized because of its spots and splashes of color, the abilities and beauty of this breed are more than skin deep.
Humans have recognized and appreciated spotted horses throughout history. Ancient cave drawings dating as far back as 20,000 years ago in what is now France depict spotted horses, as do later detailed images in Asian and Chinese art.
The Spanish introduced horses to North America as they explored the Americas. Eventually, as these horses found their way into the lives of Indians and were traded with other tribes, their use spread until most of the Native American populations in the Northwest were mounted by about 1730.
The Nez Perce and Palouse tribes of Washington, Oregon and Idaho became especially sophisticated horsemen and their mounts, which included many spotted individuals, were prized and envied by other tribes. Historians believe they were the first tribes to breed selectively for specific traits - such as intelligence, speed and endurance - keeping the best and trading or gelding those that were less desirable.
When white settlers came to this Northwest region, it is believed that they called the spotted horses they saw by the Palouse River or owned by the Palouse tribe "Palouse horses" or "a Palouse horse." Over time the name was shortened and slurred to "a Palousey" and then "Appaloosey."
During the Nez Perce War of 1877, Appaloosa horses were among those that helped the non-treaty Nez Perce elude the U.S. Cavalry for several months. The Nez Perce fled over 1,300 miles of rugged, punishing terrain under the guidance of Chief Joseph and other Nez Perce leaders. When they surrendered in Montana, their surviving horses were given to soldiers, left behind or dispersed to settlers. Nothing was done to preserve the Appaloosa until 1938, when a group of dedicated horsemen formed the Appaloosa Horse Club for the preservation and improvement of the spotted horse, whose numbers were diminishing. The name of the horse officially became Appaloosa.
Now an international breed registry, the Appaloosa Horse Club, along with the Appaloosa Museum, is located in Moscow, Idaho. More than half a million Appaloosas are on record, with about 10,000 new horses registered annually and 26,000 members.
Appaloosas are found in nearly every discipline - setting speed records on the race track, excelling at advanced levels of dressage, jumping, games, reining, roping, pleasure, and endurance and as gentle family horses. Their eager-to-please attitudes and gentle dispositions make them a pleasure to work with in any area.
Many Appaloosas can be identified solely by their coat patterns. From just a sprinkle of white to an all spotted "leopard", they come in a variety of colors and combinations. They also can be identified by other characteristics such as striped hooves, mottled skin around the muzzle and eyes, and white sclera which make their eyes look similar to human eyes.
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