Idaho Symbols, Horse: Appaloosa

Adopted on March 25, 1975.

The Appaloosa has a very long history. Spotted horses have been seen in art as far back as cave drawings 20,000 years ago. The Appaloosa was seen in ancient Persian literature as the horse of a great Persian hero. They were seen in China in ancient times as well, dating back to 206 BC, during the Han Dynasty. The Spanish introduced horses to Mexico in the 1500s. Following the Pueblo Revolt, horses rapidly spread throughout North America, reaching the Northwest around 1700. Historians believe the Nez Perce and Palouse tribes of Washington, Oregon and Idaho were the first tribes to breed horses for specific traits - intelligence, speed and endurance. White settlers call these horses 'Palouse horses.' Over time they came to be referred to as 'a Palousey' and the 'Appalousey.' During the Nez Perce War of 1877, Appaloosa horses helped the non-treaty Nez Perce, under the guidance of Chief Joseph, elude the U.S. Calvary for several months. The coloring of the Appaloosa coat is distinct in every individual horse and ranges from white blanketed hips to a full leopard. On March 25, 1975 Idaho Governor Cecil Andrus signed a bill naming the Appaloosa as the state horse. This is a deserving honor for a horse that has been an integral part of Idaho history.

The hallmark of the Appaloosa is his striking and distinctive spotted coat. Dark oval or round spots are seen on their coats. Some display the spots only over their white hips and loins, while others have them all over their bodies. The loin and hip areas are usually the most spotted. Some have white spotting on dark backgrounds and others will display white all over their bodies. The spots range greatly in size from as large as four inches to others that are so small they are merely flecks. Each Appaloosa will possess a unique pattern much like the human's fingerprint. In addition to their spotted coats, the skin of the Appaloosa is also mottled with spots.

The Appaloosa is an intelligent, fast and hard working breed. An easy going disposition and exceptional abilities give this horse a great deal of versatility that no doubt contributes to its rapidly rising popularity. Once the warhorses of the Nez Perce, today the Appaloosa serves as a racehorse, in parades, ranch work and youth programs. The coloring of the Appaloosa's coat is distinct in every individual horse and ranges from white blanketed hips to a full leopard.

Official Web site of the Appaloosa Horse Club
2720 West Pullman Road ~ Moscow. ID 83843