The Appaloosa horse is an ancient breed depicted in cave paintings as far back as prehistoric times. Spotted horses were bred in Spain and developed into a riding horse and later taken to Mexico in the 16th Century and later spread across North America. These spotted horses were captured by the Nez Perce Indians and were used to produce A Palouse horses which later became known as Appaloosas. In 1938 the Appaloosa was officially recognised as a breed.

The most prominent feature of the Appaloosa Horse is their spotted coats. There are 6 main Appaloosa patterns, but each horse is unique. The patterns are:

• Leopard is a white horse with coloured spots;
• Snowflake is coloured with white spots;
• Spotted Blanket is mainly coloured with a white back or hindquarters on which there are coloured spots;
• White Blanket has a light body with dark back or hindquarters;
• Marble is coloured at birth but fades to almost white as the horse ages;
• Frosted Tip is coloured with pale or white spots on the loins and hips.
  

Other identifiable characteristics of the Appaloosa breed are: white sclera around the eye; striped hooves; sparse, short mane and tail; and, mottled skin around the nostrils and genitalia. The Appaloosa is available in a number of different colours including bay, black, chestnut, white and palomino.

The Appaloosa Horse is courageous and docile. The breed is also known for its versatility and endurance 

The Appaloosa Horse is commonly used for ranch work, rodeos, trail riding and as a circus horse. It is also suitable for general riding with more making an appearance in competition disciplines in the UK