There is evidence
of Appaloosas existing far back in history. Ancient cave drawings
depict spotted horses and detailed images exist in Asian and 17th-centry
Chinese art.
As the Spanish explored American continents they introduced horses
to North America. Horses played a big part in the role of Indians
lives and eventually most of the Indian tribes in the Northwest
were mounted.
Some Indians, those in the Nez Perce tribes of Washington, Oregon
and Idaho became sophisticated horsemen. Their horses, many of them
spotted, were prized and envied by other tribes. It is believed
that this group bred selectively for specific traits, including
intelligence and speed.
When white settlers came to the Northwest Palouse region, they
called a spotted horse "a Palouse horse". Over time the name was
shortened and slurred to "Appalousey" and finally "Appaloosa."
In the late 1800's the Nez Perce avoided battles with the U.S.
cavalry for several months because of their skilled Appaloosas.
Defeated in Montana, they surrendered their horses to soldiers,
left them behind or they were given to settlers. Nothing was done
to preserve this breed until 1938, when the Appaloosa Horse Club
was formed to preserve and improve the diminishing spotted horse.
