“[They] appear to be of
an excellent race: lofty,
elegantly formed, active and durable,” explorer Meriwether Lewis wrote in
1806 of the horses that evolved into today’s versatile Appaloosa Horse.
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Breed evolution: Spotted horses first arrived in
what’s now Mexico when the Spanish explorers began their North American treks.
Abandoned or left behind, spotted horses soon made their way into New Mexico and
Arizona, and spread northward.
The Nez Percé, native people who inhabited areas of Oregon,
Washington, and Idaho for nearly 13,000 years, were introduced to the wild and
sometimes spotted horses around 1700. It made an enormous impact on the
relatively sedentary tribe. The horses increased their mobility, and allowed
them to travel great distances for hunting and for trading with other tribes.
The Nez Percé became accomplished riders and bred widely admired herds.
Initially called the "Palouse Horse," after a Northwest river and
valley by the same name, the breed’s name evolved into "Appaloosa." In 1806,
explorer Meriwether Lewis recorded in his diary that the Nez Percé had the
largest horse herds on the continent and, "Their horses appear to be of an
excellent race: lofty, elegantly formed, active and durable...some are pied by
large spots of white... and many look like fine English horses."
By 1877, the Nez Percé and the United States Cavalry were
embroiled in a war over territory. The Nez Percé, led by Chief Joseph, marked
some victories, and the speed, courage, and astonishing athletic ability of
their horses became legend.
Appaloosas are fearless and surefooted on the trail, a testament to their Nez Percé heritage. Today, the Appaloosa Horse Club has
registered more than 630,000
Appaloosas in the United States and beyond.
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The tribe was pursued from Oregon through Idaho and finally to the
Battle of Bear’s Paw in Montana, where Chief Joseph ultimately surrendered just
40 miles from the Canadian border and freedom.
Their horses, so valued by the Nez Percé, were confiscated. Many
were destroyed, and some sold under the condition that they would not be bred.
Some Nez Percé escaped into Canada with their horses, forbearers of today’s
thriving Canadian population of Appaloosas.
In 1938, the Appaloosa Horse Club was founded, dedicated to
preserving, promoting, and enhancing the breed. By 1947, when George Hatley
became executive secretary, it had 200 registered horses and 100 members. With
unflagging enthusiasm, the man who became known as "Mr. Appaloosa" guided the
ApHC until his retirement in 1978; that year, registrations topped 300,000.
Today, the ApHC has registered more than 630,000 Appaloosas in the
United States and beyond. The association has an active trail-riding program and
sponsors several annual rides — including the 1,300-mile Chief Joseph Ride,
ridden in 100-mile segments.
The Appaloosa is one of America’s most beloved breeds, prized for its easygoing disposition. This
appealing youngster will soon carry on the breed’s fine legacy under saddle.
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Owners tell us: "My
very first horse had Appaloosa bloodlines," says Lynda K.B. Taylor of Timber
Creek Ranch in Worland, Wyoming. "That mare turned out to be my best friend, and
she taught me about responsibility, communication, and listening to the horse’s
perspective."
Taylor’s first best friend made her a lifelong advocate of the
Appaloosa. A member of the ApHC since 1973, she admires the horses’
dispositions, athleticism, and trainability. She now works with the breed,
focusing on foundation breeding lines, and writes about its connections with
Native American history.
Growing up in Okanogan County in Washington State, Taylor explored
hundreds of miles of wooded and desert trails, all close to her home. In
Wyoming, Taylor often rides throughout the Big Horn Basin, traveling through
badlands and high desert plains, and along wooded trails.
This trail training helps Taylor’s horses to be ready for
anything. She says she’s even prepping several of the horses to be
search-and-rescue horses. "With their great dispositions, they’ll be wonderful
for any task," she says.
On the trail: When it’s time to saddle up, Taylor rides her newest best friend,
Fourmile’s Blue Rybn. "We trust each other," Taylor says. "She can think her way
out of tight situations, avoid hidden wire, and keep me safe when other
surprises arise on a trail. Her disposition is awesome — and signals a trait
of the foundation Appaloosa."
Taylor learned to rely on the horse she calls Rbyn (pronounced
"Ribbon") when the pair ran across a calf caught in a wire fence. Instead of
balking or panicking at the calf’s constant cries, Rbyn stood still.
"It was my favorite moment trail riding with Rybn," Taylor
says. "I really didn’t know what to expect from Rybn at that time, but she
proved to be solid as a rock. I felt like I had an extra helping hand as I
helped the calf. From that point on, we were one team rather than just horse and
rider."
Taylor’s husband and daughter often accompany her on the trails,
also riding the Appaloosas that are part of the family’s breeding program.
Together, the family has three mares, a 2-year-old stallion, a yearling stallion
prospect, and a 2-year-old gelding. All are registered foundation ApHC
Appaloosas.
Selection savvy: "Please consider the
foundation Appaloosas," Taylor says. "They’re smart, athletic, have long-lived
stamina, are careful and tough, and have awesome, personable dispositions.
You’ll find a colorful partner that you can trust out on the
trail."
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