Appaloosas
possess many unique characteristics which identify members of the appaloosa breed.
Mottled skin on the face and some parts of the body are both important appaloosa traits.
Another appaloosa characteristic is vertical striping on the hooves. The visible white sclera
around the eyes, unique to Appaloosas, gives them an almost human quality.
The most noticeable, as well as best known appaloosa trait, is the unusual coat
pattern.
A large variety of coat
patterns can be found in every appaloosa herd. These include small white spots
on a darker background, an entirely white horse with dark spots, a white
blanket with or without spots over the hip area, and many variations
in between. Appaloosa horses can be any color from black, to palomino.
The coloring of Appaloosas is a genetic trait, although the exact
mechanism of transference is unknown. It is possible for two solid appaloosa parents
to have a colored appaloosa offspring, and it is equally possible for two
colored appaloosa parents
to have a solid appaloosa offspring.
Appaloosas can also
change color as they age - this mare was solid chestnut when she was born! Generally, the coat pattern may roan, so that
appaloosas born solid, may "color". However, any white markings
on the animal's head or legs are not likely to change, and are therefore often
used to identify the appaloosa horse.
North American Appaloosas were introduced by the Spanish to the Nez Perce
Indians. They practiced selective breeding hundreds of years ago, gelding
inferior appaloosa stallions and selecting the best appaloosa mares to produce a combination of
war horse, race horse, hunting horse and long distance mount.
This head start provided by the Nez Perce tribe
explains the Appaloosa's excellent versatility today. Appaloosas are
used in circuses, parades, and other show events. They are also often used as pony horses on race tracks,
since appaloosas remain calm under pressure.
Appaloosas make excellent youth horses due to their excellent temperment
and sure footedness. They can also be trained in driving, jumping, trail,
cattle events and reining. Appaloosa horses do remarkably well in both western and
English riding events, as well as appaloosa racing events.
The contents of this web page are based on the winning essay written by Irene [Demyen] Bigeau for the Miss Appaloosa Canada Contest of 1985.
If you are using this web page for a school research project please give the URL as:
http://www.qar.sk.ca/appaloosa.html
Title - The Appaloosa Horse
Author - Irene [Demyen] Bigeau
You may also use photos from this site for a school report, as long as credit is given to the Qu'Appelle Appaloosa Ranch. For reports that are being posted online you must receive written permission from the Webmaster - [E-mail] aksomitis@sasktel.net to use photos.
Copyright © 2003 [Qu'Appelle Appaloosa Ranch - www.qar.sk.ca ][Bill Demyen, Nell Demyen,
Ken Demyen, Megan Demyen]. All rights
reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.