By 9 30 am it was already hot in Tampa.  Glistening horses stood crowded together in the shade, their tails gently swishing in a sort of rhythm.  Trainers and grooms hustled from barn to arena, loaded with grooming supplies, fly spray, and tack.  Riders clustered in small groups defined by team, easily identified by their matching t-shirts and the logos on their saddlepads.  The arena rail was lined with spectators.  The intercom crackled with static and occasionally burst into life with the results of the previous event.  At first glance the scene looked much the same as it would at any horse show.  However, this event was very different.  It was the Special Olympics Florida State Competition.  These riders had qualified to compete at this event as a result of their placement at regional competitions, and had overcome physical and mental disabilities to do so. 

written by Michelle DiPiazza

“From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”  These words, spoken by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce people, marked the end of the 1877 Nez Perce war and the demise of the carefully bred spotted horses the Nez Perces rode.  After Chief Joseph’s surrender, those hardy horses were seized by the U.S. Calvary and either traded or shot.

The Nez Perce were one of the first groups to practice selective horse breeding.  They carefully chose the stock that would reproduce and either traded or gelded inferior animals.  Eventually, they developed a horse that was known for its hardiness, versatility, agility, and striking beauty.  After the war, the confiscated horses were carelessly interbred with horses of varying quality, and the spotted “Palouse” horse was almost lost.  In 1938, the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed and has since organized the redevelopment of the breed. 

The modern Appaloosa has been outcrossed over recent generations to enhance various attributes of the breed.  Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, in particular, have contributed to the current style of Appaloosas used in competition.  While the outcrosses have increased the average size and refinement of the horse, they have resulted in fewer horses with the color patterns so closely associated with the breed.  Changes to registration requirements in recent years have encouraged more frequent Appaloosa to Appaloosa breeding, and the obvious Appaloosa characteristics have become more apparent at horse shows once again.

  What are the typical Appaloosa characteristics?  Well, the most obvious is the colorful coat patterns that many Appaloosas sport.  A wide range of base colors is acceptable, from white to grulla to black and everything in between.  Coat patterns vary from roan (white hairs interspersed throughout the coat) to the classic blanket pattern or the easily recognizable leopard.  Appaloosas also have less obvious characteristics.  Mottled skin around the muzzle and genitals, white sclera around the eyes, and striped hooves are often found on Apps of any coloration.  Many people aren’t aware that solid colored Appaloosas can also be registered and shown.

Throughout the history of the breed, Apps have retained their versatility and are widely used for a variety of careers.  They excel in the show ring, performing in events such as hunter under saddle, barrel racing, jumping, western pleasure, and cutting.  Appaloosas consistently hold their own in all-breed pleasure shows such as Just for Pleasure, the Reichert Celebration, and the Tom Powers futurities.  Several Appaloosas have successfully competed in high level dressage and horse racing.  They are known as being sure-footed trail mounts and sensible parade horses and are gentle enough for family horses.

The Appaloosa Horse Club and Appaloosa owners in general have a certain degree of pride for their horses’ colorful past.  Every year, riders and their Appaloosas retrace a section of the path that Chief Joseph and his people followed on their attempt to reach Canada before being captured.  This historic ride holds a powerful spot in the hearts of those who complete it.  The history of the Appaloosa is also honored in the show ring with classes such as heritage, which includes native dress and a written historical summary of the pieces worn by horse and rider.  Even the gaming classes give a nod to the ancestors, with the Camas Prairie Stump Race (barrels) and Nez Perce Stake Race (poles) being run horse against horse at breed specific shows.

All in all, the Appaloosa is a fantastic all-around horse.  Their gentle, easy going nature, versatility and hardiness, rich history, and unique appearance make this breed an easy choice for many horse owners.  If you haven’t experienced an App and you “spot” one, check it out!  You won’t be sorry!