How To Choose an Appaloosa Horse

Known as one of the few breeds of horses used by the American Indian, the Appaloosa with its distinctive spotted coat is one of the more recognized horses around.  Bred with the Arabian and Quarter horse, the Appaloosa has become a very popular breed of horse that is found mostly in the United States.

When choosing an Appaloosa, there are a few distinct traits to watch for.  The first is the most obvious—the coat pattern.  Although most Appaloosas have the distinctive white blanket over their back and rump, there is also the leopard pattern which is white over the body with dark spots but generally over the hip and loin area with dark spots; the snowflake pattern which has dark spots over top of a white body but mostly over the hip area; the marble pattern that has a mottled coloring all over the body; and the frost pattern which is white specks over a dark coat.  However, don’t be fooled, there are some Appaloosas that are a solid color.

Another trait to watch for when assessing an Appaloosa is their eyes.  Appaloosas tend to have very “human” looking eyes due to the white surrounding the iris, this is a good indication you are looking into the eyes of an Appaloosa.

The Appaloosa will have mottled skin around their eyes, their muzzle, and groin area.

The hooves of an Appaloosa have vertical black and white stripes.

The mane and tail are generally sparse and short and their body has a stocky, muscular appearance.

An Appaloosa will stand a minimum of 14 hands tall by the age of five. This is a requirement according to the American Appaloosa Association.  Generally, an Appaloosa will stand between 14.2 and 15.2 hands.

It is best to purchase an Appaloosa that is registered.  Having a registered horse will help check their lineage and their age.

If possible, watch the horse in action.  The Appaloosa has a very gentle and willing disposition. The Appaloosa is a very diverse horse; great for herding, cutting, roping, dressage, jumping, and racing.

Although a majority of Appaloosas has at least one of the distinctive blanket patterns, an Appaloosa that does not have any spots can still be registered.  However, they must still have the mottled skin around their eyes, on their muzzle, and on their groin area.

The Appaloosa is a diverse horse with a pleasant disposition, and has been rated third as the best western horse breed.