Spotted and dotted, the Appaloosa is a breed that's easy to “spot.” This unique breed sports a number of different coat markings. The major recognized patterns are; Snowflake – white spotting, usually concentrated on the hips, Frost – white speckles across a dark base color, Leopard – white base with dark spots, Blanket – spotted or white markings on the hips, and Marbelized – a mottled pattern all over the body.

An Appaloosa's tail and mane hair is fine and sparse, often wispy. The skin is usually mottled around the muzzle and genitalia, and the eye area around the iris is white, like a human's. Their bodies are compact, hardy, and healthy. Their legs are strong and lead down to sound and enduring hooves, while their withers (the peak of a horse's “shoulders”) are defined and pronounced.

Used for stock and pleasure, the Appaloosa is a pleasant horse with a tractable temperament. They're also popular racers and jumpers and can often be found in western and long-distance riding competitions.

Appaloosas were bred from horses brought to America by the Spanish Conquistadors, and picked out for their spotted gene as well has their strength and hardiness. This truly American breed was first developed by the Nez Perce Indians in the eighteenth century. The name, 'Appaloosa' is a take on the word 'Palouse,' named for the Palouse River.

The breeding program implemented by the Nez Perce peoples was strict and well orchestrated. Non-spotted or weak horses were traded to other tribes or used as work horses. Only the strongest were allowed to reproduce, resulting in a notably hardy horse.

Originating in the Oregon, Washington, and Idaho area, the breed almost became extinct in the late nineteenth century when the United States' government was seizing Native American tribes' lands and resources – including horse stocks.

The breed was revived in the late 1930s in Idaho and is now one of the top five breed registries in the world.

Back to the Horse Breeds Page       Appaloosa Breeders - Horses for Sale
Appaloosa - Horses for Sale