Today we begin taking a look at three breeds at a time & I’ll share them in alphabetical order so the mix will remain nice and random.
Pleased to Introduce
The breeds for this week are an interestingly similar mix the lovely appaloosa, it’s cousin the Appaloosa Sport Horse and the Appendix Quarter Horse (which, interestingly enough may also carry appaloosa white patterns).
All three are fairly new breeds from North America, each one created with a specific purpose in mind.
Appaloosa
The appaloosa breed is a color breed and that means they are classified & registered based on their coat patterns, not confirmation features.
A breed developed in the Pacific Northwest of North America, the Appaloosa was bred by the Nez Pierce people from Spanish animals. The native people prized their animals not only for their spectacular coats, but for their courage & tenacity making them suitable for a variety of purposes.
Troubled Times
Sadly it was the U.S. Government that almost put an end to this lovely breed when they seized tribal lands and relocated the Nez Pierce tribes.
Luckily in 1938 the Appaloosa Horse Club was founded in Idaho and since then they have become one of the largest breed registries in the world.
Appaloosa Sport Horse
Another North American breed, the Appy Sport Horse was created with the goal of breeding a European style sport horse with the brilliant appaloosa white patterns.
The Perfect Cross
To achieve this appaloosas were crossed with Trekehners & the resulting animal is colorful but possesses longer limbs and finer lines than the traditional appaloosa. These confirmation differences are also better suited for English showing & eventing disciplines.
Appendix Quarter Horse
Image from Spicyrogue
The Appendix Quarter Horse must be a first generation cross between a registered Thoroughbred & an American Quarter Horse (both of which make great racehorses).
Began With Resistance
The cross began in Texas and quickly took hold within the racing industry. Although the Quarter Horse Association had their reservations initially – not wanting to dilute registered Quarters with Thoroughbred blood. In the end they relented to allowing crosses with Thoroughbreds that carried Quarter-type characteristics.
Through refined breeding & limited registration with the AQHA the resulting animal is larger than the average Quarter horse with more refined features.
More to Come
Be sure to check back next week when I’ll share info about the colorful AraAppaloosa, the ancient Arabian & their cousin the Arabian-Berber cross.
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