Appaloosa Horse

The American Appaloosa originated from horses imported by the Spanish Conquistadores. The name Appaloosa evolved from the Palouse country, a region named after the Palouse river. The Nez Perce` Indians, who lived in an area that is now northern Idaho, north west Oregon and south east Washington, are believed to be the first Indian tribe to have systematically bred the Appaloosa as spotted horses were of high value to them. During the second half of the 19th century the Indians were defeated by the US Army and the surviving horses became scattered. In the 1920's efforts were made to re-establish the breed and in 1938 the Appaloosa Horse Club was founded in Oregon. It collected historical information of the origin of the Appaloosa in order to standardise and to improve the breed and to set up a register. It proved to be a great success and today the breed is popular in many countries outside the United States in all types of western riding, endurance and in the show ring.