 Cave drawings from 20,000 years ago depict spotted horses ... the Appaloosa has been with us for a long time!The Spanish introduced horses to North America in the 1500's; these were rapidly adopted by Native American peoples. The Nez Perce of the northwest U.S. were avid horse riders, and their herds included many spotted horses, which were prized. Historians believe they were the first to breed horses for specific traits - intelligence and speed - keeping the best, and trading away those that were less desirable. When white settlers came to the Northwest Palouse region, they called the spotted horses "Palouse horses" or "a Palouse horse." Over time the name was shortened to "Appalousey" and finally "Appaloosa." Now an official breed, the Appaloosa numbers almost half a million world-wide. Their calm nature makes them ideal as a horse for family riding. |