The Appaloosa is a color breed and registered based upon their displaying one of the six different appaloosa white patterns, leopard, few-spot leopard, frost, snowflake, varnish roan, blanket or snowcap.
Despite popular belief that spotted horses come from North America, they were actually brought from Europe by the Spanish and adopted by the indigenous people in the Americas.
How The Breed Began
Although records of spotted horses span centuries prior to coming to North America, they weren’t given their own distinct breed. The first to breed for the colorful patterns were the Nez Perce in mid-18th century in the Pacific Northwest. The name Appaloosa comes from the Palouse River running through Nez Perce territory.
These animals were not only bred for color, but for endurance and versatility so they would be suitable for everything from agriculture work to war ponies.
A Sad Tail
The Nez Perce breeding programs thrived and they became known for their horsemanship and the quality of their animals. That is, until the US Government began seizing their tribal lands and re-locating the survivors to reservations. Although the tribes fought for their land, they were defeated and many of their animals were slaughtered by the government.
Becoming Legit
Later in 1938 an appreciation for these spotted animals spurred the forming of an Appaloosa Horse Club in Idaho. Their intent to revive the breed and protect it from future harm. Today the Appaloosa Registry is one of the largest in the world, documenting & preserving these historical animals.
Learn More
America Appaloosa Association Worldwide
Appaloosa Horse Club
International Colored Appaloosa Association
Appaloosa was the most favorite horse breed of Linda McCartney, Paul McCartney’s wife. Appaloosas were part of her life. In fact, when she was dying Paul’s last words to here were “You’re up on your beautiful Appaloosa stallion and it’s a fine spring day…”
I have appaloosa made and stud Colt very beautiful markings and has one blue eye and brown eye. He’s 10 months old