The Appaloosa's heritage is as colorful and unique
as its coat pattern.
While spotted horses have been seen in ancient cave drawings
dating back as far as 20,000 years in Europe and Asia, it was
not until the early 1700s that the spotted horse known as the
Appaloosa first made it's mark in North America. The Spanish
introduced horses to North America during their explorations.
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 breed until 1938, when a group of dedicated horsemen
formed the Appaloosa Horse Club, the international breed registry,
for the preservation and improvement of the spotted horse, whose
numbers were diminishing. The name of the horse officially became
Appaloosa.
It was determined very early on that a colorful
coat pattern is not the only characteristic that makes a horse
an Appaloosa. Three telltale markings help identify a true Appaloosa:
mottled skin, striped hooves and white sclera. However, some
horses do not exhibit any of these characteristics. In the case
of a "solid" Appaloosa, DNA tests are done to prove
parentage for the purposes of registration.
Although usually noticed and recognized because
of its spots and splashes of color, the abilities and beauty
of this breed are more than skin deep. Today's Appaloosas are
used in nearly every equine discipline. Their color, intelligence,
athleticism and trustworthy temperament have made them one of
the most unique and popular horse in the equine industry. Throughout
the world Appaloosas are known for setting speed records on
the racetrack as well as excelling in advanced levels of jumping,
dressage, reining, roping, gaming, pleasure and endurance. Outside
the competitive arena, Appaloosas are used as working ranch
horses, surefooted trail horses and as safe and reliable family
horses.
Many people believe that Appy's only perform under
Western tack, but top English performers include the leopard
spotted Grand Prix dressage champion Pay N' Go, who showed that
color can perform. Derek Di Grazia's World Championships mount
Sasquatch was a solid bay Appaloosa who now has a perpetual
trophy for the highest scoring Appaloosa in eventing named after
him, and Mark Todd inherited an Olympic and World Championships-competing
part-Appy named Broadcast News from fellow New Zealander Vick
Latta. The Appaloosa stallion Wap Spotted has sired "A"
circuit winning show hunters and dressage at Devon winners.
The Appaloosa racing world is expanding by leaps and bounds,
proving that color can also be fast.
The Appaloosa Horse Club offers a variety of programs
to suit a variety of people. From showing, racing and trail
riding to National and World Championship Appaloosa Shows, the
ApHC provides its members with diverse activities. And, where
they do not sponsor shows locally, or a competitor has goals
involving open competition in other discisplines, the Appaloosa
Competitive All-Breed Activities Program (ACAAP) promotes and
rewards the Appaloosa horse that excels in all-breed competition
outside of ApHC approved/sponsored shows and trail rides. Through
ACAAP, you can earn merits by competing in all-breed events
and then submitting the results to the ApHC. These merits will
be recorded on your registered Appaloosa's performance record.
The modern day Appaloosa has evolved into a breed
that truly has something to offer every horse enthusiast. Whether
you want a minimally colored horse for the conservative dressage
world or a brightly colored horse to take you down the trail,
you will find what you want in the Appaloosa. With a variety
of body types and coat patterns found in the breed, Appaloosas
are suited for every situation. Whether it's in history, color,
ability or simple beauty, the Appaloosa defines the true character,
power and majesty of the amazing horse.
