The Appaloosa originated in America from the crossbreeding of Arab, Berber and Andalusian bloodlines introduced by the Spanish in the 16th century.
In the early 1700s, a few specimens of these horses were captured by the Native American Nasi Forati tribe, which began breeding them in the Palouse River area from which the breed’s name is derived. Since there was no need to breed them, this tribe could afford to sell the less beautiful specimens and crossbreed the better individuals, resulting in strong, hardy horses with a docile disposition and a gorgeous coat.
Half a century later, in 1920, breeder Claude Tompson tracked down some subjects, began breeding them, and in 1938 obtained breed recognition. Today the ApHC is based in Moscow, Idaho, and has more than 600,000 registered horses.
Aptitude/character selection, which has also always been carried out by the Hollow Noses (who called this horse “Iron Heart” because of its courage, lightning-fast sprint, speed and great endurance to fatigue), has meant that among the most outstanding qualities of these horses are pliability and eclecticism, factors that have contributed to their worldwide spread.
Come and discover them at the 125th edition of Fieracavalli from November 9 to 12 in Verona!
