It is an “app”-solute pleasure to feature Appaloosas as February’s Breed of the Month!
Known for both their versatility and their color, Appaloosas were first bred by the Nez Perce tribe, whose herds were renowned for their strength, intelligence, and beauty. The early 1800’s led to settlers seeking out “A Palouse Horse” for themselves (named for the Palouse River in Northern Idaho). This early name evolved to become today’s Appaloosa. The 1877 Nez Perce War resulted in the tribe’s herds being dispersed.
Today’s Appaloosas can be found excelling in western pleasure, gaming, working cows, and dressage. They are prized for their easy-going nature and reliability.
We recently asked our social media followers to share photos of their Appaloosa and Appaloosa crosses, and let us know what makes these horses so special. Below, you can see some of their photos and stories! Check out Part One and Part Two, and keep an eye out for more galleries and exclusive stories featuring these historic horses through the end of February 2022!
Do you want to share a photo of your Appaloosa? E-mail us at yourdressage@gmail.com for your chance to be featured!
Submitted by Elizabeth H. – This is Zeke aka Spot The Difference a 12yo Appaloosa that I am planning on taking 1st level this show season😁🙌🏼Summitted by Suzanne V. – Happy and I hope to event but we need a strong dressage foundation (mostly me) to get back into shape. Summitted by Suzanne V. – He’s new to me but his past includes being pulled from a kill pen in Texas two years ago. He’s very patient and he looooooves treats.Submitted by Linda A. – My spotted wonder DakotaSubmitted by Finn and Belle – This is my appy cross! He was an accidental breeding on a ranch, was a ranch horse for 10 years, then I bought him now he is a 3 day eventer!Submitted by Sassy Appys – This is CTR Super Sonic, an APHC foundation stallion!Submitted by Black Moon Equestrian – One of my students just starting to learn dressage on our best lesson horse ever ❤️Submitted by Black Moon Equestrian – He’s 19 years old and worth his absolute weight in gold , he’s a once in a lifetime kind of horse ❤️Submitted by Black Moon Equestrian – He’s so great with the littles too!❤️Submitted by Elise H. – me and Hawk after our first schooling show!Submitted by Soph & KotaSubmitted by Jessica S. – Khonstellation ABC. Appaloosa/Arab cross registered Owned by Mary Synder; Ridden here by Alyssa Stewart.Submitted by Soph & Kota – she has a heart of gold💛 she tries her hardest to please everyday and never failsSubmitted by Evie W. – My favorite appy!!Submitted by Marie D. – The newest addition to my family ❤️ JackJack. He’s a coming 5 year old appy, who loves to jump and will be starting his eventing career this year!Submitted by Megan L. – This is My appaloosa mare named Boogie (registered name Boogies Grey Rose) who brought my up through the levels of dressage and to the FEI levels. I earned my USDF silver medal on her. And also half the scores for my gold.Submitted by Lauren M. – My gorgeous boy, “Ozzy.” 14 year old geldingSubmitted by Victorious L. – Our 16.3 Foundation Appy “Liam” 🧡Submitted by Emma P . – TobySubmitted by Lynn V. – Scout, best Appy everSubmitted by Kelly A. – Mr. Arty! He’s a gold champagne Appy yearling and I’m super excited to find some in-hand classes for him this year! (Pic from his second ever show last fall.)Submitted by Megan C. – I’m Sunday’s Silhouette and Jacqui Winspear. New Zealand 1999. *USDF strongly recommends all riders wear protective headgear when mountedSubmitted by Anastasia K . – Bellatrix is my 5 yr old Appaloosa who started her career in Eventing but will soon start showing at USDF shows as well!Submitted by Blake B. Submitted by Anastasia K. – Samson may not have spots, but he’s my Appaloosa! He was 2021 All Breeds Champion for Appaloosas in second level. He is also the 2021 Arizona Dressage Association 2nd level and Freestyle Horse of the Year! He’s 19 yrs old this year and debuted 3rd level last month earning our bronze medal!Submitted by Cheryl B. – Appsolutely Stellar aka Vega. Best Appy mare❤️🥰❤️Submitted by Karen K. – Waps LegacySubmitted by Karen K . – Wap’s Legacy, 2005 Appy gelding, ridden by Robin Birk, in a clinic with Michael BragdellSubmitted by Sandra M. – Horse 16 when picture taken, nearly 18 now. Won USDF ApHC AllBreeds through 2nd level, then got injured. Now serviceably sound. Hope to do a Century Ride in a few years (I’ll be 77 in July of 2022). Confetti’s Magic Marker (“Mark”) (Aul Magic (AHA) x Confetti’s Red Rose by Chocklate Confetti (ApHC))Submitted by Christena M. – Zip! Registered appaloosa💙Submitted by Rachel L. – My TBxAppy mare, Whinny (Whispering Nymph). She was 21 here, and is now a beautiful 33.Submitted by Marsha Jane L. – Pedro! He and I learned the moves to go through PSG and earn our silver medal! He is now taking my oldest daughter to her bronze. We hope he is there for my youngest daughter as well! He is still going strong!Submitted by Elise E. – LakotaSubmitted by Kelly B. – My current show horse Wapz Special AamericanSubmitted by Taneale S. – My Appaloosa Flight of Fancy (Sammy)Submitted by Aaron D. – Twilight’s Grand Slam aka “ Lucky” was a former barrel racer and is now enjoying his second career learning dressage. He is a true gentleman and is turning 20 years young this year.Submitted by Bella F. – “Obie” 10yrs old showing second level dressage 🥰Submitted by Amanda T. – The late, great Spotted Walker D.
[…] special. Below, you can see some of their photos and stories! Check out Part One, Part Two, and Part Three of our gallery series from February […]