Appaloosa
The Appaloosa is a full-size horse breed that originated from the United States. This is one of the most colorful and ancient horse breeds in the world, used mainly as a mount or riding horse.
Height
14.2-16 hands
Weight
950 to 1,2k pounds
Life Expectancy
30 years
History of the Appaloosa
Predecessors of the Appaloosa horse breed arrived in North America during the early 1600s with Spanish explorers. These horses made their way to the Northwest where Native Americans, particularly the Nez Perce people, appreciated the animals and began to breed them. Their strict breeding practices aimed to create a horse that was colorful, tractable, and intelligent.
The breed's name likely relates to the Palouse River area where the Nez Perce lived. At first, people referred to the breed as Palouse horses, which later became Appaloosas.
Read more: Appaloosa horse
Characteristics of the Appaloosa
The Appaloosa horse breed is famous for the distinctive patterned coat, even though not all registered Appaloosas look like this.
Appaloosa Care
This breed is relatively low-maintenance and does well as a pasture horse. They need similar care as most other horses. They prefer the ability to roam and interact with other horses. Even stalled horses need socialization and enrichment. They can’t just sit in a stall all day. These horses usually thrive best when allowed in the pasture as much as possible.
Of course, outside horses should have a safe shelter at all times. While horses can sleep standing up, this does not allow them to achieve REM sleep. Therefore, all horses will need to sleep laying down at least some of the time.
These horses tolerate cold much better than heat. They need plenty of water and minerals on hot days to maintain proper hydration. Offering them shade is important. In extremely cold weather, all that is usually necessary is a shelter where your horse can escape the rain and moisture. Waterproof blankets are also helpful.
Health
Appaloosas generally enjoy good health, lack notable behavioral issues, and aren't prone to lameness. But many can develop certain eye problems. For one, their eyes tend to water, which can attract flies and lead to infection or irritation. A fly mask can help protect the area.
Grooming
Grooming daily for stabled horses is ideal to remove dirt, debris, and tangles. Pastured horses require less frequent grooming. If you have a primarily white horse, more frequent brushings can keep the coat looking its best. Regular use of a horse shampoo also can help. In addition, make hoof inspections and cleanings a daily activity to look for injuries and prevent infections.
Nutrition
Appaloosas require a standard horse diet of fresh grass, quality hay, grains, and some fruits and vegetables, as occasional treats. They might need vitamin and mineral supplementation, especially if they cannot graze freely in pasture. The amount of food they need largely depends on their size and activity level.
Problems
Additionally, they're more prone to equine recurrent uveitis than most other breeds. This is an infection of the eye's uveal tract, which causes puffiness, redness, and squinting. It can eventually lead to retina damage and blindness. Treatment can minimize episodes of inflammation, but the disease is not curable.
Moreover, many Appaloosas carry the gene that can cause congenital stationary night blindness, which is the inability to see inflow to no-light conditions. Afflicted horses lack night vision starting at birth. A veterinary ophthalmologist can perform a vision test to check whether a horse has the condition.
Pros
- Unique colors and markings
- Loyal
- Gentle
Cons
- Many need sun protection
- Prone to eye problems
Did You Know?
The color of the coat of an Appaloosa gradually changes over time.
The Appaloosa is the mascot of the American State of Idaho.
