The Appaloosa

The Appaloosa may be the oldest recognizable breed in the world. This argument has been made in the past based on 20,000 year old cave drawings featuring horses with spotted horse patterns.

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Modern Appaloosa history in the United States takes on a strong American Indian flavor. As the Spanish were exploring North America in the 1700's their horses eventually made it into the hands of American Indians who quickly became sophisticated horsemen. Some of these horses had the spotted gene.

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The Nez Perce tribe of what is now Oregon are intimately involved in the development of the breed. Some historians say they were the first tribe to selectively breed horses for specific traits. They bred horses for not only the distinctive color the Appaloosa is known for, but also stamina, endurance and temperament. Inferior horses were gelded or traded to other tribes.

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Eventually the horse was the strength of the Nez Perce. As other tribes were forced onto reservations the Nez Perce decided to seek asylum in Canada. They eluded the U.S. Calvary for several months until they eventually surrendered in Montana. After the surrender some of the captured horses were sold to the local settlers. A bounty was offered on the horses that escaped and many of them were eventually killed and the breed was virtually wiped out.

The breed was essentially "lost" until 1938 when the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed in Moscow, Idaho. Today the breed boasts the third largest registry in the world. The horse is known for it's unique spotted coat patterns, versatility and hardiness. Some have exaggerated hindquarter development as they have been bred with the Quarter Horse.

References:
1. Edwards E. (1991). The Ultimate Horse Book.   New York: DK Publishing.
2. Appaloosa Horse Club website