How to Choose an Appaloosa

While the Appaloosa Horse is known as the "leopard" of horses because of the colorful coat of distinctive patterns and spots that is unique to Appaloosas, they actually come in a variety of coat colors, as well as many characteristics that might make the Appaloosa the right horse for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Identify the Appaloosa with ease. Its distinctive coat patterns make it stand out in a crowd and make it very popular with its owners. An Appaloosa may also have the appearance of snow over its back, loins or hips.
2. Appreciate that Appaloosas come in every color.
3. Note that some Appaloosas are solid-colored.
4. Look for human-looking eyes that have white surrounding the iris, and vertical striping on hooves in the absence of white leg markings.
5. Being the third largest western horse breed in the world, the Appaloosa is quickly becoming a very popular horse.
6. Use this horse for working on ranches, herding, cutting and roping cattle - the Appaloosa has a very gentle and willing disposition.
7. Enjoy the Appaloosa's abilities in dressage, eventing, jumping and racing, which makes the Appaloosa an all-around horse.
8. Check that your prospective horse is at least 14 hands tall by the age of five, which is a requirement for registration according to the American Appaloosa Association.

Tips & Warnings

• See Related Sites for information on the Appaloosa Club and the American Appaloosa Association, Inc.
• Horses have unique personalities just like people do. It is best to take some time to get to know an individual animal before purchasing it.