British Appaloosa

The Appaloosa’s history can be tracked back quite clearly through the art and literature because of their distinct markings. The white spotted horses are often seen in pictures with nobles mounted on them. The British Appaloosa heritage is one of selective breeding to enhance the colorful coat markings and their athletic abilities which are prized by military men.

American Appaloosa was imported into Britain as circus animals and for export to Australia. While in quarantine the stallions were used to increase the local Spotted Horse population and led to a convergence of the blood lines.

In Great Britain this breed was originally known as the Spotted Horse and was renamed Appaloosa to better distinguishes it and help in its marketing in the early 20th century. At the time the name Appaloosa seemed a more romantic and exciting name then Spotted Horse because of its visual association with the American Appaloosa.

The Appaloosa equine breed is a breed with a color and hair pattern preference. Appaloosas are commonly knows for their spotted and colorful coats. They also however have mottled skin, white sclera (of the eye, most horses have a dark sclera) and clearly defined striped or laminated hooves. Further to these characteristics there are colors of coats that are recognized with patterns referred to as: spotted blanket, leopard, white blanket, snowflake, frosted hip, near leopard, marble, few spotted leopard, and solid of which a few appaloosas fail to develop the spots.

Generally the appaloosa horse is between 14 and 15 hands in height.

The patchwork of spots make the Appaloosa breed desirable for performers such as circuses and honor guards as they stand out quite clearly, are reliable and of even temperament.