Intro
The British Spotted horse or British Appaloosa does not stem from the Appaloosa of North America. They both come from the same bloodlines originally found in Spain and France.
Origins
The earliest evidence of spotted horses is in Lascaux and Peche-Merle, France where cave paintings have been found that date back to approzimately 18,000 B.C.
Spotted horses have been documented in many other countries such as Spain, China, Austria and Denmark. However, it was the Spanish who were instrumental in spreading the spotted horses to other parts of Europe, the Uk and the Americas.
Although some claim that there are spotted horse indigenous to UK, it is likely that they were imported there.
In 1976 it was suggested that adding the Appaloosa to their name would encourage use of the breed and they were given the Appaloosa name.
In 1987 a grading system was implemented using specific breeding guidelines to for registration.
Features
Average height 14.2 – 15.3 hands
Physique
Often display leopard gene characteristics
Because the appaloosa gene affects many different breeds, their confirmation will vary considerably.
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Intelligent and eager
Use
Show horse
Pleasure horse
Helpful Links
*All links open in a new window
British Appaloosa Society
Appaloosa Horse Club UK
Appaloosa Museum