HISTORY OF THE APPALOOSA
It can be claimed that the Appaloosa as it is known now is the oldest identifiable breed of horse in the world today. Ancient cave paintings found on walls of ice age caves of central Europe depict the image of spotted horses. These images date back 20,000 years ago. Appaloosa coloured horses spread throughout Asia, Europe, Russia and England and eventually to America with invading armies, traders and as special gifts to kings and Nobility. Quickly the horses spread northward until most of the indian population was using horses by around 1700. Of all the North American Indians the Nez Perce of North West alone became stockmen and breeders of horses. It was the aquisition of the horse that changed their life pattern so quickly. This tribe is unique in the fact that without any instructions they became breeders of excellent Appaloosa horses, far superior to any other horses owned by Plains Indian Tribes.
1877 saw the Nez Perce Indians forced onto reservations and their land was opened up to settlers. The only remaining breeders of the pure undiluted Nez Perce horse were tribes of Palouse Indians, which were to the North in the state of Washington. They had declined to participate in the indian wars and there lifestyle and herds remained much the same as they had for over a century.
By the turn of the century Appaloosa horses had found there way to most parts of the United States.
The name Appaloosa originated in the North West territory of the Palouse Indians. During this period of time, many other horses showing Appaloosa coat pattern, were imported for use in circus and wild west shows.
With so many differant types of spotted horses contributing to the melting pot, we came out with the remarkable versatile horse known as the Appaloosa. 1940's saw Appaloosa horses into Australia but no documentry proof.
Imformation taken from Australian Appaloosa association website and The Complete Book of the Appaloosa by Jan Haddle.
It can be claimed that the Appaloosa as it is known now is the oldest identifiable breed of horse in the world today. Ancient cave paintings found on walls of ice age caves of central Europe depict the image of spotted horses. These images date back 20,000 years ago. Appaloosa coloured horses spread throughout Asia, Europe, Russia and England and eventually to America with invading armies, traders and as special gifts to kings and Nobility. Quickly the horses spread northward until most of the indian population was using horses by around 1700. Of all the North American Indians the Nez Perce of North West alone became stockmen and breeders of horses. It was the aquisition of the horse that changed their life pattern so quickly. This tribe is unique in the fact that without any instructions they became breeders of excellent Appaloosa horses, far superior to any other horses owned by Plains Indian Tribes.
1877 saw the Nez Perce Indians forced onto reservations and their land was opened up to settlers. The only remaining breeders of the pure undiluted Nez Perce horse were tribes of Palouse Indians, which were to the North in the state of Washington. They had declined to participate in the indian wars and there lifestyle and herds remained much the same as they had for over a century.
By the turn of the century Appaloosa horses had found there way to most parts of the United States.
The name Appaloosa originated in the North West territory of the Palouse Indians. During this period of time, many other horses showing Appaloosa coat pattern, were imported for use in circus and wild west shows.
With so many differant types of spotted horses contributing to the melting pot, we came out with the remarkable versatile horse known as the Appaloosa. 1940's saw Appaloosa horses into Australia but no documentry proof.
Imformation taken from Australian Appaloosa association website and The Complete Book of the Appaloosa by Jan Haddle.
