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The Appaloosa Horse

The appaloosa horse is instantly recognizable even from a distance, as its distinctive spotted pattern is a standout in any crowd. The appaloosa horse has been a favorite for centuries, and of all the horse breeds it was the one most favored by the American Indians. The name comes from the Palouse river, which runs from Idaho to Washington.

Average size: 14.2 to 15.2 hands.

The Indians of the North American continent loved the breed for its bravery, its honesty, its calm temperament and of course its good looks as well. Of all the horse breeds on the continent of North America, it was the appaloosa horse that carried the Indian tribes into battle, both with each other and with the white settlers as they moved west.

Although appaloosa horses no longer carry us into battle, they do engage in any number of important activities. From speed events like horse racing, calf roping and gaming events, to calmer endeavors like Western Pleasure, English pleasure and reining, the appaloosa horse seems to excel in virtually every endeavor.

In addition, some of the most famous horses in history have been Appaloosas, including Comanche, the only survivor of the battle which costs General Custer his life. The story of this appaloosa horse is one of the most stirring in the history of the American west, and it is well worth examining.