Breed of the Moment: The Appaloosa

By: The Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd

STALLION AT STUD: Time To Be Radical

FOR SALE: One in a million all rounder Appaloosa VIEW ALL APPALOOSA HORSES FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Miss Pretentious a yearling Appaloosa filly - Appaloosas can also be 'solid' coloured VIEW ALL APPALOOSA HORSES FOR SALE

Pretty Appaloosas with different blankets - One Last Dream and El Rio Prince of Dreams - both by legendary Appaloosa sire Mega Dream

FOR SALE: Korizma Mega Star - a black fewspot Appaloosa VIEW ALL APPALOOSA HORSES FOR SALE

Suthern Docs Dreamcat - a chestnut Appaloosa with minimal white spots that change in quantity and position with every coat change!

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It can be claimed that the Appaloosa, as it is now known, is the oldest identifiable breed of horse in the world today. Ancient cave paintings found on the walls of Ice Age caves of central Europe depict the image of spotted horses. These images date back over 20,000 years ago. These ancient works of art are located in Lascaux and Peche-Merle, France. Archaeologists estimate they were created about 18,000 BC, long before the dawn of recorded history.

History of the Appaloosa

Many works of art throughout the centuries provide undeniable proof of the existence of the spotted horse in many parts of the world. A scabbard, found in Austria, dating from approximately 1,000 BC is decorated with images of horses bearing the characteristic Appaloosa coat patterns. Chinese art, wall hangings and vases also show the clear characteristics of spotted horses in their designs.

In Greek history, records have been found depicting a great breed of warhorse used by the Persians in 480 BC, which clearly describe the ‘spotted horse’. Over 3,000 years ago in the Ferghana Valley of ancient Persia, a new breed of horse evolved. He was tall and swift, and colour adorned his sides. He inspired poets, artists, kings and generals.

These horses were not identified as Appaloosas in the ‘Old World’, but were named according to the region where they were bred or for their colour. To the Persians and ancient Greeks, they were called ‘the Sacred Horses of Nicosia’. They were called ‘Tien Ma’ - ‘Heavenly or Celestial Horses from the Extreme West’ - by the Chinese. The French named them ‘Le Tigre’. The Old English called them either ‘Piebald Chubarry’ or ‘Bloody Buttocks’ because of the pattern of dark red spots on their hindquarters. The Austrians identified them as ‘Pinzgauer’.

He was the most valuable horse in the ancient world and he was regarded as the most beautiful horse alive. Some were spotted like a leopard or as golden as a newly-minted coin. Others were red and blue roan, with darker colour in the roan. Alexander of Macedon on his conquest of Asia (329 BC) detoured through Ferghana specifically to secure these warhorses prized for their courage, tough hooves and endurance.

Han Wu-Ti the ‘Martial Emperor’ (156-87 BC) having heard of the ‘Heavenly Horses’ twice sent expeditions to the Ferghana region to obtain breeding animals to improve his cavalry. The two Chinese campaigns to secure the horses lasted four years and cost many lives, but led to the opening of the Silk Road and China building a superior cavalry.

Appaloosa-coloured horses spread throughout Asia, Europe, Russia and England, and eventually to America with invading armies, traders, and as special gifts to kings and nobility. Even the English Thoroughbred studbooks list several stallions descended from spotted horses. In Western Europe, the spotted horse appears periodically throughout history. The famous Lippizzaner horses often exhibited spots during the 16th-18th Centuries. The same spots still crop up to this day and the Lippizzaner often displays evidence of mottled skin - one of the Appaloosa’s characteristics.

The Native American Indian

The Spanish Conquistadors took spotted horses when they blazed a trail through Mexico and South America. Quickly, the spotted horse spread northward until most of the Indian populations were using horses by around 1700. Once they were introduced to America, the Appaloosa horse began what was arguably its most famous period, as horses prized by the Nez Perce Indians.

The Nez Perce Indians of Washington, Oregon and Idaho became highly-sophisticated horsemen. Unlike most tribes, the Nez Perce carefully selected the spotted horses they were to breed. Only the best horses were allowed to produce offspring. Meriwether Lewis, on his epic expedition across America to the Pacific Ocean, was one of the first white men to visit the Nez Perce. He described the Appaloosa in his journal dated February 15, 1806: “Their horses appear to be of an excellent race. They are lofty, elegantly formed, active and durable; in short, many of them look like fine English horses and would make a fine figure in any country. Some of these horses are marked with large spots of white irregularly scattered and intermixed with the black, brown, bay or some other darker colour.”

The name ‘Appaloosa’ is a variation of the Indian name for these horses - ‘Palouse Horse’ - named after a river in Idaho, United States. Although one can’t credit the Nez Perce Indian with the ‘establishment’ of this breed, one can say they certainly improved and developed, through a strict breeding program, a versatile hunting horse of no equal. A warhorse with an iron heart. And, as a warhorse, he was conditioned to have unlimited speed, stamina and remain calm under the worst conditions. These great traits, along with his steadfast loyalty to his master, were to be put to the ultimate test. In 1877, ‘Chief Joseph’ ‘Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt’ (1840-1904), led several hundred of his people in an attempt to elude the US Cavalry and avoid war by seeking asylum in Canada. For over three months, the band of about 700, fewer than 200 of who were warriors, fought 2,000 US soldiers and Indian auxiliaries in four major battles and numerous skirmishes.

The tribe, mounted on their Appaloosa horses, out ran the US Cavalry through rough mountainous terrain for 1,400 miles. The Appaloosa carried men, women and children with all their meagre belongings over trails that led to over 7,200 feet in the mountains, through treacherous rivers and deep gorges. They travelled in freezing conditions, and many loyal Appaloosas lost their lives in this game of cat and mouse with the US Cavalry. Finally, on October 5, 1877, in northern Montana, just 40 miles short of refuge in Canada, the Nez Perce, sick, injured and exhausted, negotiated surrender. After looking at his starving tribe and exhausted horses, Chief Joseph delivered his famous speech that ends: “Now hear me, oh my chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”

After the Nez Perce surrender, they were banished to life on a reservation and the great warhorse, the Appaloosa, was confiscated and sold in a government auction at Fort Keogh. Those not sent to auction were shot. Stories tell of hundreds of horses herded into canyons and dying in a blaze of rifle fire from US soldiers. It is said the bidding at the auction was brisk. The courage of the Appaloosas had become public knowledge via the newspapers and telegraph, and they were sold far and wide. The descendents of these horses found their way into the early Quarter Horse bloodlines. Hence, we have spotted Quarter Horses cropping up from time to time. American foundation sires Joker B, Wapiti and Quadroon are examples of these unexpected crop-outs.

Due to this unmanaged breeding, the Appaloosa, as it was known, nearly slipped into history. Animals of all shapes and kinds were cross-bred to “put some colour into it” and the great warhorse was almost lost.

Return of the Appaloosa

The founding of the American Appaloosa Horse Club cannot be mentioned without referring to the one man who led the fight for the Appaloosa - Mr Claude J. Thompson. Mr Thompson had a lifelong passion for the Appaloosa, its history and its future. On December 30, 1938, Mr Thompson and Dr Francis Haines formally opened the Appaloosa Horse Club. They, along with other like-minded horsemen, sort to save and re-establish the Appaloosa to its former glory. They sort spotted horse from far and wide, infusing them with the pure blood of the Arabian to re-establish the refinement and quality that had been lost due to indiscriminate breeding.

As a result of the efforts of these men, and those who followed them, the Appaloosa again rose in popularity to become one of the most desired breeds of horse in the world today. There are now Appaloosa clubs and registries in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and, of course, Australia. The Appaloosa is truly an ‘International Breed’.

The Appaloosa in Australia

Hearsay talks of spotted horses being in Australia sometime around the 1940’s and 1950’s. However, no documentary proof is evident. Among the first registered Appaloosa to arrive in Australia were the stallions Clover Joker Bull and Clover Cochise, and the mare Clover Coconut. These horses left California on July 11, 1966 and, after an epic voyage, finally arrived in Australia in 1967. In 1971, a gathering of 61 Appaloosa breeders and enthusiasts attended a meeting in the RSL Hall in Nathalia, Victoria. The result of this meeting was the formation of the Appaloosa Association of Australia. The first elected committee members were Mrs J.E. Cook, Mrs E.T. Hobson, Mr J.N. Cook, Mr L. Carden, Mr B. Kirby, Mr S. Hordern, Mr D. Cross, Mr C. Howe, Mr V. Cummins and Mr J.V. Hull. By 1974, there were five regional clubs in Australia.

The first National Appaloosa Show was held at Shepparton, Victoria, on the January 27, 1973. Horses came from four states to compete for prize money and trophies. The 12 classes for Appaloosa horses were judged by Captain Walter Hughes from Aldergrove, B.C. Canada.

Since its inaugural show at Shepparton, the Appaloosa National Show has been held in eight cities, including Sydney, Nambour, Maitland, Toowoomba, Melbourne, Tamworth and Dubbo. The program has grown to over 150 classes, feature and futurity events showcasing horses from all states competing in dressage, traditional English and numerous Western events. There are over 14 regional-based clubs throughout Australia and breed classes are held at most agricultural shows across the country.

The Appaloosa is still sort after today for the same reasons he was by nobles, kings and chiefs - for his durability, intelligence, versatility and, of course, his ever-delightful, colourful coat. No two are ever the same, much like their owners.

The Appaloosa today

The modern Appaloosa is a versatile breed which can, and does, compete across most equine disciplines from the Western arena to pony club, dressage, show jumping and driving, amongst others. Their temperament, along with their versatility and colour differences, is what has been attractive to many people. They are a calm and quiet horse, suitable for all levels.

The Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd has a policy of ensuring diversity within its bloodlines. However, they are working very hard to ensure that genetic disorders, such as Herda and HYPP, are eventually eradicated from the studbook. It provides for horses to be tested for these disorders, and registration is often dependant on whether positive or negative results are received.

The Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd is the major association within Australia and they offer numerous services to members, such as a magazine subscription, breeding and registering processes, annual high point awards, an annual National Show, support for over 14 regional clubs across the country, as well as support for amateurs, youth and breeders alike.

There are well over 100 breeders of Appaloosa horses in Australia that breed progeny that can be registered within the AAA Studbook. But, of course, there are many people who simply love the colouring of the Appaloosa and, as such, use them in their breeding programs.

In addition, the Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd allow outcrossing to the following breeds: Quarter Horse, Warmblood, Stock Horse, Arab and Thoroughbred. The resultant progeny is an Appaloosa. However, no breeding is allowed with pony breeding, gray breeding or roan horses, where the roan is not considered to be Appaloosa roan. There is now scientific testing available to identify the roan and gray genes. Any horse that has either of these genes will not be admitted into the AAA studbook.

With careful breeding and refinement, the dedication of breeders and enthusiasts has seen the Appaloosa take on all forms of equine competition. For example, Thoroughbred and Warmblood crosses allow for great competitors within the dressage and hunter fields, and the Quarter Horse is often successful in the Western arena. However, Appaloosas that are not outcrossed with these breeds are continuing to thrive and competing at high levels in these equine disciplines.

About the Author: For more information, contact the Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd on (02) 6765 7969 or visit www.appaloosa.org.au. The Australian Appaloosa Association’s mission is to record and preserve pedigrees of the Australian Appaloosa, while maintaining integrity of the breed; provide services for the benefit of its members which encourage Appaloosa ownership and participation; foster growth and membership in the Australian Appaloosa Association Ltd through promotion, recognition, advertisement and publicity of the Appaloosa; and charter a regional and national network of clubs or associations, and provide support and assistance to them in their efforts to promote the Appaloosa breed. 

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