Appaloosas, are identified by 3 specific characteristics.
| Mottled Skin Is unique to the Appaloosa Horse and thus a basic and clear identifier. The mottling occurs around the muzzle, eyes and the genitals. |
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| Striped Hooves An Appaloosa has CLEARLY defined vertical light and dark stripes. Though striped hooves can be found on other breeds, it is the presence of the mottling and sclera which speaks of clear Appaloosa breeding. |
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Appaloosas have eyes similar to humans in that they also have the "white" around the eye which encircles the cornea (colored part of the eye)
This example shows the mottled skin around the eye as well. |
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The Appaloosa Horse Club defines 5 basic patterns:
Leopard
- white body completely covered in large dark spots
Marble - light coat
covered in small dark speckles
Snowflake - dark body
with light spots or speckles
Frost - dark body
covered in small light speckles
Blanket - white on hips
and/or loins, darker spots may/may not appear
on the white blanket
Solid - an Appaloosa
that does not display any coat pattern, but has the
other characteristic markers present. Though they do not "show"
color, they can "throw" color.
Height - 14.2 hands high and upwards
Uses - classified as a Light Horse, uses include showing, jumping,
dressage, rodeo, trail riding, cattle work, endurance riding etc.
The Appaloosa is an all-round versatile horse.....
With alot of Chrome!
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Bay Blanket with spots |
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Solid |
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Black, blanket with spots |
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Leopard |
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Chestnut white with spots |
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Dun with Blanket |
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Grulla Blanket |
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Red Roan Blanket |
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Bay Roan |
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Blue Roan |
Headin' fer Historical Info!
Painting by Wendy Risdale,
graciously donated for the 2005 CRAC Raffle Fundraiser