Breed: Appaloosa
Temperament: Obedient, willing to please
Maintenance: Medium
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Recommended for: Beginners to advanced riders
History
The word Appaloosa is derived from the word Palouse, the name of a river found in north-western USA. It was in this region that this type of horse was used by the Nez Perce tribe, and although they never actually called their spotted steeds “Appaloosas”, they did value them for their hardiness in the rugged mountain conditions. These horses were derived from descendants of Spanish stock brought to Mexico by the Conquistadors in the 17th century. It is claimed that descendants of these horses spread north through the United States via traders who bartered them with native Indians for goods, and as wild mustangs, only to be caught and tamed by the Nez Perce tribe.
The Appaloosa type nearly perished when the native American Indians were forced onto reserves during the late 1800s and their horses slaughtered, or left to roam the mountains and plains. In 1938 the American Appaloosa Horse Club began, with a few descendants of the Nez Perce Appaloosa being used to develop the breed we as we know it today. Over the next 50 years these horses became the third most registered breed in the world, with more than 400,000 registered animals. The first Appaloosas were imported into Australia in 1967 and the Australian Appaloosa Association was formed in 1971. It is claimed that there are currently nearly 20,000 registered Appaloossas nationwide with 18 Appaloosa Associations.
Appearance and genetic makeup
The modern Appaloosa is a medium-sized horse standing about 1.47m-1.57m (14.2-15.2hh). Most people would be familiar with the spotted or mottled look of the breed. Appaloosas usually have a spotted or mottled rump. In fact no two Appaloosas are alike and, while this appearance is certainly recognisable, it is not a defining characteristic of the breed. Coat colour and pattern is not part of the breed standard at all. To be registered as an Appaloosa a horse needs to have a white sclera (the area of the eye surrounding the iris, as it is in humans), the skin should be mottled and the hooves must be marked with vertical black and white stripes. The white sclera is the most important and defining feature. The wispy fine and sparse hair of the tail and mane is also a feature, but not sought after.
Although not part of the breed standard, the colour patternings are recognised. There are five principal coat patterns: Leopard, Snowcap, Blanket, Marbleised and Frost. The features of each coat pattern are: Leopard pattern: a white area over all or part of the body with dark egg shaped spots on that area. Snowcap: white spotting occurs all over the body but is usually concentrated over the hips. Blanket: the coat colour of the hips can be either spotted or white (in which case it is called a Snowcap Blanket). Marbleised: there is a mottled pattern all over the body. Frost: white specks on a dark background.
The gene that causes the Appaloosa’s distinctive coat patterning and appearance is a dominant gene. This means that an Appaloosa mated with an ordinary horse will produce on average half Appaloosa-type foals (true Appaloosas) and half normal type, or solid coloured foals (referred to as Solid Appaloosas). These solid coloured types will not produce the Appaloosa type if mated with other normal horses, but can be used as breeding stock with other Appaloosas to produce certain pattern designs. Despite the difference in coat appearance, the Solid Appaloosas carry many of the same characteristics as their coloured cousins.
Temperament
The Appaloosa horse is described as hardy and very willing to please. They are regarded as easy-going with a placid disposition so are great for youths and those learning to ride. Appaloosas are suited to training and their gentle nature makes them a pleasure to work with. Their solid, well proportioned conformation ensures that they are also suited for both work and pleasure riding, especially for Western Pleasure events, which are based on hack events but with an American cowboy feel.
Care and maintenance
Appaloosas need no special care or diet beyond what is normally required for a horse. However, allowing sufficient daily exercise is very important, especially if the horse is stabled. It is also important to monitor skin for signs of skin cancer and apply skin block to vulnerable areas (see more information below under ‘Health and lifespan’).
Health and lifespan
Appaloosas do suffer from a number of inherited disorders. One of these is night blindness, which means they may have trouble seeing in dim or dark light. Another is the disease known as Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) whereby they suffer from sudden attacks of elevated potassium levels in the muscle. This may cause uncontrolled muscle twitching, profound muscle weakness, and on occasions may cause the horse to collapse. Both of these diseases are rare in Australia.
The most common problem in Australia is related to skin cancer as Appaloosas have sensitive pink skin, particularly around their eyes and lips. To avoid skin cancer, monitor the Appaloosa’s skin closely, particularly around the muzzle, eyes and ears. Also apply a standard sunblock daily to reduce the risk of exposure. At the first sign of any problems, such as the appearance of dark lumps, ask your vet to treat them. Treatment is usually successful.
These horses will live to around 25-30 years if well looked after.
Recommended for
Due to their versatility and temperament, Appaloosas are recommended for any type of activity suited to medium-sized horses. They can be used as a family horse, in pony club, as pleasure horses, in dressage or for work on a property. The placid nature of the Appaloosa means that they can be ridden by novices and professionals alike.
Further information
We filmed our story at the A1 Equestrian Centre, 1501 Mulgoa Road, Wallacia, NSW with members of the Sydney Regional Appaloosa Club. To contact the club, call Secretary Tania Mather on (02) 9670 4478.
The Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd
PO Box W212
West Tamworth NSW 2340
Phone: (02) 6765 7969
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.appaloosa.org.au