Appaloosa Horse Breed Profile

Origins: The Appaloosa is known to exist in prehistoric times in Persia, China and Egypt. Spotted horses were bred in Spain and developed into a riding horse and later taken to Mexico in the 16th Century and later spread across North America. They were developed into fast and agile horses by the American Indians. Horses were later captured by the US army and in 1938 the Appaloosa was recognized as a breed.

Characteristics: Broad head, compact body with short straight back, sloping shoulders, strong legs, sparse mane and tail. Smooth action.

Height: 14.1 to 15.2 hands

Color: Roan is the most usual coloring accompanying the white, although other colors occur. There are 6 main patterns even though each horse is unique.  Leopard is a white horse with colored spots Snowflake is colored with white spots Spotted Blanket is mainly colored with a white back and/or hindquarters on which there are colored spots. White Blanket has a light body with dark back and/or hindquarters.  Marble is colored at birth but fades to almost white as the horse ages except for some darker markings on the legs and face Frosted Tip is colored with pale or white spots on the loins and hips.

Personality: Courageous, but also docile