The Appaloosa's heritage is as
colourful and unique as its coat pattern. Usually noticed and recognized
because of its spots and splashes of colour, the abilities and beauty of this
breed are more than skin deep.
Appaloosas are found in nearly every discipline. Setting speed records on
the race track, excelling at advanced levels of dressage, jumping, games,
reining, roping, pleasure, endurance and as gentle family horses - any of
these roles can be filled by the versatile Appaloosa. Their eager-to-please
attitudes and gentle dispositions make them a pleasure to work with in any
area.
Humans have recognized and appreciated the spotted horse throughout
history. Ancient cave drawings as far back as 20,000 years ago in what is now
France depict spotted horses, as do detailed images in Asian and 17th-century
Chinese art.
The Spanish introduced horses to North America as they explored the
American continents. Eventually, as these horses found their way into the
lives of Indians and were traded to other tribes, their use spread until most
of the Native American populations in the Northwest were mounted (about 1710).
The Nez Perce of Washington, Oregon and Idaho became especially
sophisticated horsemen, and their mounts, which included many spotted
individuals, were prized and envied by other tribes. Historians believe they
were the first tribe to breed selectively for specific traits - intelligence
and speed - keeping the best, and trading away those that were less desirable.
When white settlers came to the Northwest Palouse region, they called the
spotted horses "Palouse horses" or "a Palouse horse." Over time the name was
shortened and slurred to "Appalousey" and finally "Appaloosa."
During the Nez Perce War of the late 1800's, Appaloosa horses helped the
Nez Perce avoid battles and elude the U.S. Cavalry for several months. The
tribe fled over 1,300 miles of rugged, punishing terrain under the guidance of
the famed Chief Joseph. When they were defeated in Montana, their surviving
horses were surrendered to soldiers, left behind or dispersed to settlers.
Nothing was done to preserve the Appaloosa until 1938, when a group of
dedicated horsemen formed the Appaloosa Horse Club for the preservation and
improvement of the diminishing spotted horse.
Now an international breed registry, the ApHC - along with the Appaloosa
Museum and Heritage Center - is located in Moscow, Idaho. More than half a
million Appaloosas are on record, with about 10,000 new horses registered and
26,000 members annually. Moscow also is the source of the official publication
of the ApHC and Appaloosa horse, the Appaloosa Journal, a monthly,
award-winning magazine.
As Appaloosa numbers grow, so do ApHC programs and services. There are more
than 600 ApHC-approved regional shows and a World and National Show annually.
To make owning an Appaloosa challenging and fun, these shows offer numerous
awards in three main competition levels: youth, non-pro and open.
For those who just want to enjoy the outdoors on horseback, there is the
saddle log program which requires no special travel or equipment, but simply
spending time with your Appaloosa. The organization also sponsors four
week-long trail rides each year complete with entertainment and catering.
There is something for everyone in the world of Appaloosas. Many are
fine-tuned show horses and well-conditioned athletes, but some also hold the
distinction of being reliable family horses. Often chosen for children's
mounts because of their level heads and even temperaments, Appaloosas win
hearts as quickly as their colour turns heads.
The photographs and information contained on this page are provided
courtesy of Appaloosa Horse Club,
2720 W Pullman Rd. Moscow, ID 83843
