History of the Appaloosa

The spotted horse has long captured the imagination of artists. The first evidence of the spotted horse can be found in cave paintings dating from around 18,000 BC at Lascaux and Peche -Merle in France .  These remarkable horses may be the remote ancestors of present day spotted horses.  Spotted horses can be seen in art across the globe.   Through the years these creatures have been given names ranging from the mystical Celestial Horses in China to Knabstrupper in Denmark to Tigre in France. The name Appaloosa joins in this history around the late 1800s.

Appaloosas possess many unique characteristics which identify members of the appaloosa breed. Mottled skin on the face and some parts of the body are both important appaloosa traits. Another appaloosa characteristic is vertical striping on the hooves. The visible white sclera around the eyes, unique to Appaloosas, gives them an almost human quality. The most noticeable, as well as best known appaloosa trait, is the unusual coat pattern. 

A large variety of coat patterns can be found in every appaloosa herd. These include small white spots on a darker background, an entirely white horse with dark spots, a white blanket with or without spots over the hip area, and many variations in between. Appaloosa horses can be any color from black, to palomino. 

The coloring of Appaloosas is a genetic trait, although the exact mechanism of transference is unknown. It is possible for two solid appaloosa parents to have a colored appaloosa offspring, and it is equally possible for two colored appaloosa parents to have a solid appaloosa offspring. 

Appaloosas can also change color as they age - this mare was solid chestnut when she was born! Generally, the coat pattern may roan, so that appaloosas born solid, may "color". However, any white markings on the animal's head or legs are not likely to change, and are therefore often used to identify the appaloosa horse.

North American Appaloosas were introduced by the Spanish to the Nez Perce Indians. They practiced selective breeding hundreds of years ago, gelding inferior appaloosa stallions and selecting the best appaloosa mares to produce a combination of war horse, race horse, hunting horse and long distance mount. 

This head start provided by the Nez Perce tribe explains the Appaloosa's excellent versatility today. Appaloosas are used in circuses, parades, and other show events. They are also often used as pony horses on race tracks, since appaloosas remain calm under pressure. 

Appaloosas make excellent youth horses due to their excellent temperament and sure footedness. They can also be trained in driving, jumping, trail, cattle events and reining. Appaloosa horses do remarkably well in both western and English riding events, as well as appaloosa racing events.