History of the Appaloosas

Appaloosas are the oldest of the modern American horse breeds. They are confessed by her preferably leopard spotted fur pattern.

Since the beginning of the 18th century they were especially breeded by the Nez-Perce Indians in the northwest of the USA. Through the middle of the tribal homeland of this indian tribe the Palouse River flowed from which this horse breed probably owes its today's name: The Palouse horse was briefly called "a Palouse". So in the course of time the name finally ends up in "Appaloosa".

The Nez-Perce Indians should be resettled 1877 from her tribal homeland to a reservation. Their refusal led to a war in whose consequence Chief Joseph escaped with his tribe and the horses from the American cavalry. For several decades the breeding of the Appaloosa race declined considerably through this. Only a small number of ambitious breeders kept the breed of the performance willing horse with staying power alive.

The "Appaloosa Horse club" was finally founded in the USA in 1938. The Appaloosa is known in the various western riding disciplines as a versatile horse race today.

Here they come from...