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The Appaloosa is a North American horse breed that has now found an enthusiastic following all over the world. Their eye-catching colouring is one of the reasons so many people want to own an Appaloosa, but there is more to these stunning horses than their looks - they have a fascinating history too. The modern Appaloosa is now recognised as a distinct breed, although other types and breeds of horses may have spotted coat colours as well. Knowing what is unique about the breed is important for those who are planning to acquire an Appaloosa.
Because of their interesting and varied history, and the fact that the studbook is still partially open (some Arabian , Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse
Experts believe that horses with spotted coat colouring closely resembling that of the modern leopard spot Appaloosas existed 25,000 years ago. The most famous examples are the cave paintings known as the Dappled Horses of Pech-Merle, which clearly show spotted coat markings. The Lp gene that transmits the leopard colouring has been found in the DNA of extremely ancient horses. Much later, in the 17th and 18th centuries, portraits of Spanish and Spanish-influenced breeds such as the Lippizaner show animals with spotted coats. Spotted breeds such as the British Spotted Pony and Danish Knabstrub have also existed for centuries. The Appaloosa, however, can stake its claim as a product of North America. Indeed, it was largely created in the 18th and 19th centuries by the indigenous Niimíípu, or Ni Mi Poo people, sometimes incorrectly called the Nez Percé. They were skilled horse breeders and traders, knowing how to select horses to create and improve on the qualities they desired. The horses were named for the river that ran through their territory, the Palouse. However, they were driven from their land and onto a 1400 mile march to Canada. Eventually forced to submit, their horses were taken from them. In 1937, people began to reclaim the Appaloosa and its important history, and in 1938 the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed. Today, the Niimíípu are once again involved in breeding horses, using Akhal-Tekes as well as Appaloosas. Appaloosas are popular horses for both Western and English events. Western competitions cover roping, reining and cutting as well as riding. Appaloosas are also a popular choice for barrel racing as well as more mainstream events such as eventing, endurance and show jumping. Specialist gaited offshoots such as the Tiger and Shuffle horses now have their own registries.Origin and breeding history of Appaloosas
Appaloosa horses in Equestrianism
