Appaloosa Horse Breed
The Appaloosa was recognized as a specific breed of horse in 1938. The breed has a broad head, compact body with short straight back, sloping shoulders, strong legs, sparse mane and tail. They are generally between 14.1 to 15.2 hh tall.
Appaloosa's were traditionally used as ranch and trail horses, but recently have found favor amongst English riders where they have excelled in eventing, hunter/jumper, and dressage.
Appaloosa Colorings
The Appaloosa is a spotted horse with one of five distinctive coat colors:
- Leopard - white over all or part of the body, with dark spots in the white area.
- Blanket - spotted patch located over the hips.
- Snowflake - white spotting can occur all over the body, but concentrated over the hips.
- Marbleized - mottled pattern covers the entire body.
- Frost - white specks on a dark background.
Also, on an Appaloosa, the sclera, the area of the eye surrounding the iris, is white instead of the usual dark color seen in other breeds.
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Paint Horse Breed Profile
Leopard Appaloosa Horse