The Appaloosa is an average sized light horse with most standing 14.2 to 15.2 hands at the withers and weighing about 1000 lbs. The modern Appaloosa continues to display the same qualities so highly valued by the Nez Perce and the early frontiersmen -- versatility, endurance and temperament.
The Appaloosa breed can provide a colourful horse to meet any equine interest. As with most light horse breeds, within the breed there are bloodlines or families that have become specialists. These bloodlines show a predisposition to specifically desired physical traits and behaviors. For example, some bloodlines are renowned for their speed in racing and gymkhana events, some display exceptional cow sense for cutting and roping, others are jumpers or dressage horses. For the recreational rider, the personable Appaloosa horse offers plenty of variety to meet any interest.
The distinctive coat patterns of the Appaloosa horse make him the most easily recognizable of all light horse breeds. The stereotypical coloured Appaloosa is a dark body with a spotted or white blanket over the loin and hips. Coat patterns vary from the "snowflake" - darkerbody with lighter speckling, to the "leopard" -with a white body and dark spots over the entire body. Appaloosa horses are easily identified and no two are exactly alike. Appaloosas share three characteristics: Mottled or freckled skin (parti-coloured), most noticeable around the muzzle,eyes and genitalia; Hooves have clearly defined vertical light and dark stripes, a trait that gives them exceptionally durable hooves; and eyes have a white sclera encircling the iris much like that of the human eye.
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