Did you know that there is a breed of horses today that once shared the territory and worked in many cases alongside the Native Americans of the Nez-Percé tribe? Yes, we are talking about the Appaloosa horse, a large and wonderful horse that hails from the present territories of Oregon and Washington. Its name, of Indian origin, comes from the Palouse River, in which it was very common to see these horses drinking water from the river. Do you want to know the characteristics, character and he alth of the Appaloosa horse? Well, keep reading this PlanetAnimal breed sheet dedicated to him!
Happy reading!
Origin
- America
- United States
Origin of the Appaloosa Horse
Called Appaloosa Horses or Spotted Horses because of the spots present in their colorful coats, they are considered a very ancient breed, found across virtually the entire world. However, it was the Native Americans of the Nez-Percé tribe who named it Appaloosa in honor of the Palouse River. It is also this tribe that has seen in these horses the ideal companion to help them in tasks as diverse as hunting or war, domesticating them and selecting the most suitable specimens for these tasks for over 200 years.
Appaloosa horses are considered to have as their precursors the Spanish horses that the colonizers brought with them when they arrived in America, in the 16th century, the first Appaloosa horses being Spanish horses with spotted coats.The breed was evolving, but the one we know today is the result of the work of the Appaloosa Horse Club, founded in 1938. It was created to save the breed from extinction, they managed to recover the breed by realizing an intensive breeding program. Thanks to their efforts, Appaloosa horses still exist today.
Characteristics of Appaloosa Horse
Appaloosa horses are medium-sized horses with muscular bodies and rounded rumps. Their legs are light, thin and with marked bones, but they are really strong and resistant. Many specimens have striped hooves, with light vertically oriented stripes. These horses have a long and very thick mane and tail.
As for the coat of the Appaloosa, which distinguishes it from other equine breeds, it is characterized by six different layers:
- Fawn: with oval spots and white or light background
- Snowflake: with white spots on a dark base, back spotted with dark spots and light colored back and dark manes
- " Drop: with a white base and dark spots scattered all over its body"
- Marbled: with the back of the body light with dark spots and the front part with light spots on a dark base.
There appears to be sexual dimorphism in terms of color and intensity of coat tones, the latter being more vivid in males than in females. However, it's not the coat itself that makes the breed truly unique, its trademark is its skin. This skin is marbled and it is characterized by a mixture of light and dark spots, as if they were freckles.
Appaloosa Horse Character
Appaloosa are agile and active horses, it is considered the fastest breed of all equine breeds in the world.And it's not something they hate, as they always trot from place to place, which is why they have traditionally participated in speed tests and different types of horse races.
They have a very good character and they are relatively easy to tame. They are also extremely intelligent and loyal which is why they have become one of the most popular breeds in the world.
Appaloosa Horse Care
As for their care, the main thing is that they receive fresh, quality food and that they always have plenty of clean, fresh water at their disposal, because, as is the case for all animals, water is essential to their survival.
Other care will be necessary, such as those relating to the maintenance of their coat, brushing and daily bathing. It is also necessary to pay attention to his teeth, because they can undergo oral alterations which can affect his habits and the well-being of your magnificent horse.
Appaloosa Horse He alth
Due to their wild origins which have given them privileged genetics which make them really not very prone to diseases, Appaloosas are really strong and resistant animals.
Despite good genetics, Appaloosa are not immune to viral and bacterial diseases, although they are more resistant to them than other breeds. That is why we must not let our guard down and we must keep our horse under veterinary supervision by having it undergo regular checks and analyzes, vaccinating it and avoiding potential sources of contagion from the environment in which it lives. .
By being vigilant and caring for our Appaloosa, we will ensure that we can enjoy the company of a he althy, happy horse for many years to come.
Appaloosa Horse Pictures
