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During the Nez Perce War of 1877, Appaloosa horses were among those that helped the non-treaty Nez Perce elude the U.S. Cavalry for several months. The Nez Perce fled over 1,300 miles of rugged, punishing terrain under the guidance of Chief Joseph and other Nez Perce leaders. When they surrendered in Montana, their surviving horses were given to soldiers, left behind or dispersed to settlers. Nothing was done to preserve the Appaloosa breed until 1938, when a group of dedicated horsemen formed the Appaloosa Horse Club, the international breed registry, for the preservation and improvement of the spotted horse, whose numbers were diminishing. The name of the horse officially became Appaloosa. It was determined very early on that a colorful coat pattern is not the only characteristic that makes a horse an Appaloosa. Three telltale markings help identify a true Appaloosa: mottled skin, striped hooves and white sclera. However, some horses do not exhibit any of these characteristics. In the case of a "solid" Appaloosa, DNA tests are done to prove parentage for the purposes of registration. Although usually noticed and recognized because of its spots and splashes of color, the abilities and beauty of this breed are more than skin deep. Today's Appaloosas are used in nearly every equine discipline. Their color, intelligence, athleticism and trustworthy temperament have made them one of the most unique and popular horse in the equine industry. Throughout the world Appaloosas are known for setting speed records on the racetrack as well as excelling in advanced levels of jumping, dressage, reining, roping, gaming, pleasure and endurance. Outside the competitive arena, Appaloosas are used as working ranch horses, surefooted trail horses and as safe and reliable family horses. Many people believe that Appy's only perform under Western tack, but top English performers include the leopard spotted Grand Prix dressage champion Pay N' Go, who showed that color can perform. Derek Di Grazia's World Championships mount Sasquatch was a solid bay Appaloosa who now has a perpetual trophy for the highest scoring Appaloosa in eventing named after him, and Mark Todd inherited an Olympic and World Championships-competing part-Appy named Broadcast News from fellow New Zealander Vick Latta. The Appaloosa stallion Wap Spotted has sired "A" circuit winning show hunters and dressage at Devon winners. The Appaloosa racing world is expanding by leaps and bounds, proving that color can also be fast. The Appaloosa Horse Club offers a variety of programs to suit a variety of people. From showing, racing and trail riding to National and World Championship Appaloosa Shows, the ApHC provides its members with diverse activities. And, where they do not sponsor shows locally, or a competitor has goals involving open competition in other discisplines, the Appaloosa Competitive All-Breed Activities Program (ACAAP) promotes and rewards the Appaloosa horse that excels in all-breed competition outside of ApHC approved/sponsored shows and trail rides. Through ACAAP, you can earn merits by competing in all-breed events and then submitting the results to the ApHC. These merits will be recorded on your registered Appaloosa's performance record. The modern day Appaloosa has evolved into a breed that truly has something to offer every horse enthusiast. Whether you want a minimally colored horse for the conservative dressage world or a brightly colored horse to take you down the trail, you will find what you want in the Appaloosa. With a variety of body types and coat patterns found in the breed, Appaloosas are suited for every situation. Whether it's in history, color, ability or simple beauty, the Appaloosa defines the true character, power and majesty of the amazing horse. For more information please visit our Web site, www.appaloosa.com Click here to see a slide show of beautiful Appaloosas performing a variety of disciplines.
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