Appaloosa
Appaloosa – a breed of horses of an unusual chubar suit, bred by a non-Persian Indian tribe and is now very popular in the US.
In the photo: Appaloosa horse
Contents
History of the Appaloosa breed
The Appaloosa horse breed was bred by the non-Persian Indian tribe. The members of this tribe were experienced horse breeders and their riding horses were highly valued. The ancestors of the beauties were the horses of the Spanish conquistadors and other breeds that were imported to America by settlers from Europe.
In the 18th century, spotted horses fell out of fashion in Europe, and they were massively transported to the New World. Some of them fell into the hands of the Indians. The goal of the Nez Perce was to breed a frisky, strong and reliable horse, and all these qualities were embodied in the Appaloosa.
The name “Appaloosa” is due to the Palouse River, which flows through the lands of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. The settlers called the blond Indian horses Palouse, but if the pronunciation was indistinct, it sounded like “Appalousey”.
Horses were faithful helpers of the Indians and more than once saved them from the American cavalry. However, in 1887 the Indians suffered a final defeat and were sent to the reservation. Then they lost about 2000 horses and were no longer engaged in horse breeding. The Appaloosa breed was saved thanks to the efforts of a small number of enthusiasts.
In the photo: Appaloosa horse
By 1938, the Appaloosa horse breed was restored. At the same time, a farmer from Oregon, Claude Thompson, created an Appaloosa club.
Today, Idaho is home to the Appaloosa Heritage Center, an international registry, and a breed museum. About 10 Appaloosa foals are born each year. The Appaloosa Association publishes a magazine dedicated to the breed.
Appaloosa horse breed description
Appaloosa is a small horse with a thin build, but at the same time quite hardy.
The height at the withers of the appaloosa is 142 – 163 cm (14 – 16 palms), the weight of the appaloosa is 450 – 500 kg.
The head of the Appaloosa is well proportioned, the neck is superbly sculpted, the ears are neat, short, the back is short and strong, the croup is powerful, the legs are strong with hard striped hooves.
A distinctive feature of the Appaloosa horses is their chub color (from white with small dark spots to dark with white spots). Moreover, unlike other horses of the chubar color, the skin of the Appaloosa is also spotty.
There are 7 terms used to describe the Appaloosa suit:
- Cheprak.
- Roan
- One-suited.
- Roan saddle.
- Spots.
- Saddlecloth with spots.
- Roan saddle with spots.
Apprentices are also distinguished, but their range is very wide, so it is not possible to attribute them to certain categories.
Appaloosa horses often have large white spots on their faces.
The sclera of the eyes is white and visible in the normal position.
In the photo: Appaloosa horse
The temperament of the Appaloosa is very pleasant. One of the signs that was fixed in the breed was the orientation towards cooperation with a person. Appaloosa horses are quick-witted, intelligent, balanced and courageous. They learn quickly and can master many tricks.
Sometimes the Appaloosa horse itself chooses one owner for itself and becomes an infinitely devoted friend for him.
The use of Appaloosa horses
Due to their docile nature and good trainability, Appaloosa horses are used in almost all types of equestrian sports (show jumping, dressage, etc.), participate in rodeos and simply become family favorites.
In the photo: Appaloosa horse
Famous Appaloosa horses
An Appaloosa stallion named Prince Plaudit won numerous awards, received the title of Recognized Stud, and was sold in 1974 for $300.
In 1966, the film The Appaloosa was released. The protagonist cowboy Matt (Marlon Brando) returns to his native land after the war on a magnificent Appaloosa horse. His dream is to run a ranch and breed horses using an Appaloosa stallion as a sire. However, a Mexican bandit steals a horse and Matt has to go looking for it.
In the photo: the Appaloosa horse in the movie “Appaloosa”
