The Appaloosa horse is a very ancient breed, and
is depicted in cave paintings as far back as
prehistoric times. Originally they existed in
Persia, China and Egypt, and were later bred in
Spain and developed into a riding horse. After being
taken to Mexico in the 16th Century they then spread
across North America.
Competition
Jumping
Rodeo
Dressage
Racing
Showing
Driving
Ranch
Trail Riding
Endurance
Riding
From Amy Huffman, North Carolina 'O' is a coming 6 year old leopard appaloosa
mare - she is a trail horse deluxe and gets some
strange looks from Dalmatians who just happen to
be on the trail. She has been freeze branded as
'Diamond o' and she is my pride and joy.
Origin
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.
See Also: Picture
Gallery
Height
14.1 to 15.2 hands
Colors
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.
See Also: Picture
Gallery
From Sandra Marrujo, California
I think the "profile" for the Appaloosa
needs some MAJOR updating. Classified as suitable
for "ranch/riding/trail" only? I'm sure my
successful Appaloosa eventers, hunter/jumper and
dressage horses would be surprised to learn they
are/were not suitable for those disciplines. Not to
mention the Appaloosa racing industry!
The
Horse that Lags Behind
It is important to teach the horse how you
expect it to act by taking your time and
building a foundation one lesson at a time. More...
