Physical Characteristics
The Appaloosa is a small compact horse ranging in height on average from 14.2 - 15.2 hands high. A hand is a unit of measurement equal to 4 inches. Average weight is approximately 1000 pounds, though it can vary in proportion to height. Appaloosas often have sparse manes and tails, as well as hard, striped hooves.
It is important to remember that not all spotted horses are Appaloosas. To be classified as an Appaloosa, the horse must posses a recognized coat pattern. It must also have mottled skin which can be seen around the lips, nostrils, genitalia and sometimes the eyes. White sclera in the eye is also a distinguishing feature of Appaloosas.
The head of the Appaloosa is straight and not bulky. Mottled skin and white sclera are visible. The neck is solid with a large windpipe and the mane is usually sparse. The shoulders are long and sloping with lots of muscle and the withers are well defined. The body possesses a deep, but not overly large chest, a short straight back and well muscled hindquarters. The tail is generally sparse as well. The legs are long, muscled and show clean, straight lines.
For registration in most associations or clubs, Appaloosas must have a recognizable coat pattern or mottled skin, plus one other characteristic (white sclera or striped hooves). Recognized base coat colours include bay, brown, black, buckskin, grulla, dun, palomino, cremello, chestnut, grey, bay roan, blue roan and red roan.
It is important to realize that patterns vary greatly and can be hard to categorize. Some horses may be a combination of patterns and may even change pattern throughout their lifetime.
It is important to remember that not all spotted horses are Appaloosas. To be classified as an Appaloosa, the horse must posses a recognized coat pattern. It must also have mottled skin which can be seen around the lips, nostrils, genitalia and sometimes the eyes. White sclera in the eye is also a distinguishing feature of Appaloosas.
The head of the Appaloosa is straight and not bulky. Mottled skin and white sclera are visible. The neck is solid with a large windpipe and the mane is usually sparse. The shoulders are long and sloping with lots of muscle and the withers are well defined. The body possesses a deep, but not overly large chest, a short straight back and well muscled hindquarters. The tail is generally sparse as well. The legs are long, muscled and show clean, straight lines.
For registration in most associations or clubs, Appaloosas must have a recognizable coat pattern or mottled skin, plus one other characteristic (white sclera or striped hooves). Recognized base coat colours include bay, brown, black, buckskin, grulla, dun, palomino, cremello, chestnut, grey, bay roan, blue roan and red roan.
It is important to realize that patterns vary greatly and can be hard to categorize. Some horses may be a combination of patterns and may even change pattern throughout their lifetime.
Distinguishing Features
Mottled Skin - seen here around the lips and nostrils.
Photo provided by Carley.
Photo provided by Carley.
White Sclera - easily visible in eye. Mottled skin around the eye can also be seen.
Photo provided by Carley.
Photo provided by Carley.
Striped Hoof - clearly visible vertical lines.
Retrieved from: http://www.theequinest.com/images/striped-hoof.jpg
Retrieved from: http://www.theequinest.com/images/striped-hoof.jpg
Sparse Mane
Photo provided by Carley.
Photo provided by Carley.
Sparse Tail
Photo provided by Carley.
Photo provided by Carley.
Coat Patterns
Blanket With Spots - a white blanket over the hip, spots are usually the same colour as the base colour.
Retrieved from: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C0L9SEBbM8E/S7vyxXDb3GI/AAAAAAAAAA4/v8UgTTJdIng/s1600/horsepic.jpg
Retrieved from: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_C0L9SEBbM8E/S7vyxXDb3GI/AAAAAAAAAA4/v8UgTTJdIng/s1600/horsepic.jpg
Snow Cap - a solid white area over the hip with a different base colour.
Retrieved from: http://telogavalleyfarm.homestead.com/files/zack6_604.jpg
Retrieved from: http://telogavalleyfarm.homestead.com/files/zack6_604.jpg
Leopard - a white horse with dark spots.
Retrieved from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P--ubfzX0Nw/SSnFcjXxPHI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/jOxhqtL2ri8/s400/Appaloosa2.jpg
Retrieved from: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P--ubfzX0Nw/SSnFcjXxPHI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/jOxhqtL2ri8/s400/Appaloosa2.jpg
Few Spot - mostly white with minimal spots.
Retrieved from: http://www.rockyhollowranch.net/Eagles_Echo_a1_ad.jpg
Retrieved from: http://www.rockyhollowranch.net/Eagles_Echo_a1_ad.jpg
Snowflake - dark body with white spots.
Retrieved from: http://www.theequinest.com/images/snowflake-appaloosa.jpg
Retrieved from: http://www.theequinest.com/images/snowflake-appaloosa.jpg
Roan - mixture of white and dark hairs.
(To be categorized as an Appaloosa, mottled skin must be present, plus either white sclera or striped hooves.)
Retrieved from: http://www.horseforum.com/attachments/47826d1291333361-post-pics-your-fave-coat-colour-1181564858_roan_hayes0h.jpg
(To be categorized as an Appaloosa, mottled skin must be present, plus either white sclera or striped hooves.)
Retrieved from: http://www.horseforum.com/attachments/47826d1291333361-post-pics-your-fave-coat-colour-1181564858_roan_hayes0h.jpg
Roan Blanket With Spots - mixture of white and dark hairs over all or portion of body with white or dark spots.
Retrieved from: http://www.tresaisonstud.co.uk/Davinci_16-3-10.jpg
Retrieved from: http://www.tresaisonstud.co.uk/Davinci_16-3-10.jpg
Solid - one colour with no pattern or spots.
(To be categorized as an Appaloosa, mottled skin must be present, plus either white sclera or striped hooves.)
Retrieved from: http://www.aphcuk.org/documents/aphcuk/Jan2009/solid_colour.jpg
(To be categorized as an Appaloosa, mottled skin must be present, plus either white sclera or striped hooves.)
Retrieved from: http://www.aphcuk.org/documents/aphcuk/Jan2009/solid_colour.jpg