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    Home » Fun Facts

    8 Fascinating Facts About The Appaloosa

    Modified: Sep 3, 2020 by ihearthorses · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Appaloosas are known for their beautiful spots, but there is so much more to this gorgeous horse. You might already know that this horse is a distinctly American breed developed by the Nez Perce people. Do you know these other 8 facts about Appaloosas?

    #1 - They’re the state horse of Idaho.

    In 1975, Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus signed legislation naming the Appaloosa the state horse. Idaho was also the first state to offer a custom license plate featuring a state horse.

    A gelding nose

    #2 - They have 3 things in common other than their spots:

    Mottled skin around the muzzle, eyes, anus, and genitalia; striped hooves; and eyes with a white sclera. These three attributes aren’t exclusive to the breed, but most Appaloosas have at least two of those traits. It is rare for horses other than Appaloosas to have the whites of their eyes showing unless they’re rolling their eyes back, making this trait more unique to the breed.

    A appaloosa horse going along a farm road

    #3 - The coat color is a combination of a base color with an overlaid spotting pattern.

    Base colors include bay, black, chestnut, palomino, buckskin, roan, gray, dun, and grulla. There are several different pattern variations to the markings. The spots overlay darker skin and are often surrounded by a halo - the skin next to the spot is also dark but the overlying hair coat is white.

    A spotted head

    #4 - You can’t always predict a grown Appaloosa's color at birth.

    Many horse breeds change colors as they grow up, and Appaloosa foals don’t always show classic leopard complex (the genetic mutation that causes their distinctive spots) characteristics when they’re born. Appaloosas with varnish roan and snowflake patterns are the most likely not to show their true color pattern at birth.

    Interested in learning about another fascinating horse breed? Check out our popular article 8 Fascinating Facts About The Quarter Horse. 

    A spotted horse with a rope halter on

    #5 - The Nez Perce people became exceptional horse breeders.

    They lived in eastern Washington, Oregon, and western Idaho and gelded inferior horses and traded away poorer stock for the purpose of improving the breed. They became well-known horse breeders by the early 19th century.

     Horse

    #6 - The horses were originally called "Palouse horses" by settlers...

    ...in reference to the Palouse River that ran through what was once Nez Perce country. The name changed over time to include Apalouse, Appalucy, Apalousy, and Appaloosie before settling on Appaloosa.

    A horse going along a farm road

    #7 - Appaloosas are often used in Western movies and television series.

    Examples include Cojo Rojo in the Marlon Brando film "The Appaloosa," Zip Cochise ridden by John Wayne in the 1966 film "El Dorado," and Cowboy, the mount of Matt Damon in "True Grit."

    horse stallion with clouds

    #8 - Prior to the introduction of the horse, the Nez Perce were sedentary fishers.

    The introduction of horses changed their culture forever. They soon became famous throughout the Northwest for their hunting skills and craftsmanship on top of their horse breeding. They became more nomadic, trading their stone community houses for tipis.

    Check out our video on the IHeartHorses YouTube page to learn more about this stunning breed!

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    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
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    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Interested in seeing more horse pictures? Check out our popular article 15 Breathtaking Images Of Paint Horses.

    (H/T: Wikipedia and Appaloosa Horse Club)

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    Comments

    1. terryfbromley,

      April 25, 2020 at 4:02 am

      Terry F Bromley, Thank you,they are just amazing!!!

      Reply
      • lauren

        October 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        Hey, I have a few questions what good types of horses for jumping because my teacher is teaching me soon?

        Reply
    2. Dustin Colte Brink

      April 25, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      What can you tell me about roan horses. Particularly red roans

      Reply
    3. Helen

      December 31, 2020 at 9:20 am

      True Appaloosa had a gait called Indian shuffle . They are now quarter horses with spots and attributes of the breed are mostly gone. Also crossed with arabians

      Reply
    4. maisy

      June 08, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      I love horses. But how would I know which is the best for me?

      Reply
    5. Olivia

      November 27, 2022 at 6:53 pm

      Omg this is amazing I’m doing a research project for school and this is amazing I think my classmates will love it. It’s so interesting and fun to learn about! Thank you so much for making this.

      Reply

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