Appaloosa

Breed history

Spotted horses were bred in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Nez Perce people in the Palouse river region of the northwestern USA – hence the name. After the tribe was displaced the breeding nearly vanished; the Appaloosa Horse Club revived it in 1938.

Genetics & colouring

The spotted patterns are caused by the Leopard complex gene (LP) together with other modifiers; expression varies greatly between individuals. Horses with two copies of LP have a higher risk of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), which can be checked by a genetic test.

Is this breed right for me?

• What will I use the horse for – leisure, sport, driving, work?
• Do its size and temperament suit my experience and build?
• Do I have suitable stabling, grazing and time for daily care?
• Will I arrange a vet pre-purchase examination?

Care considerations – general

Every horse needs vet-guided parasite control, vaccinations, dental checks, hoof care and feeding matched to its workload and condition. Breed alone does not determine an individual horse's needs.

General information, not veterinary advice. Consult your vet or an equine nutritionist.