Horse · United States
Appaloosa
also: Appy / A Palouse Horse
Equiteca Editorial · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · 3 sources
The Appaloosa is an American breed known for its spotted coat, with more than 700,000 horses registered by the Appaloosa Horse Club since it was chartered in 1938. It descends from the horses bred by the Nez Perce people of the Palouse region, and the name comes from the phrase 'a Palouse horse'. Three markers identify the breed beyond the pattern itself: mottled skin, a white sclera around the eye, and striped hooves. Most stand 14 to 16 hands and weigh roughly 430 to 570 kg, with a wide range of body types drawn from the many breeds crossed into it. It is valued as a versatile, easy-going family horse and competes in Western pleasure, racing, trail, and dressage.
At a glance
The ApHC sets a 14-hand minimum at maturity; build varies widely because stock, race, and sport lines all feed the breed.
Temperament
Suited to
On price
Sound trail and all-around horses commonly sell for 3,000 to 8,000 USD; proven show and performance bloodlines with strong color run higher.
Care needs
Appaloosas are hardy and thrive on good forage, routine hoof care every 6 to 8 weeks, and a standard vaccination and deworming schedule. Their pink, mottled skin and white markings sunburn easily, so light-skinned horses benefit from shade, fly masks, and sunscreen on the muzzle. Because the breed carries a real eye-disease risk, yearly veterinary eye checks are worth building into the routine.
Common health issues
Equine recurrent uveitis (moon blindness)
Appaloosas develop this recurring inflammation of the eye far more often than other breeds, and it is a leading cause of blindness in the breed. Early veterinary treatment of each flare protects vision, so any cloudiness, squinting, or tearing warrants a same-day exam.
Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB)
Horses that carry two copies of the leopard-complex gene (LP/LP) are born unable to see in low light. The trait is tied to the spotting pattern itself, and a DNA test for leopard complex identifies LP/LP horses; the night blindness is present from birth and does not worsen.
Higher uveitis risk in LP/LP horses
The same LP/LP genotype that causes night blindness also raises the risk of equine recurrent uveitis. Testing breeding stock for leopard complex helps buyers understand a horse's eye-disease risk before purchase.
HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis)
Appaloosas with Quarter Horse breeding descended from the stallion Impressive can carry HYPP, an inherited muscle disorder causing tremors and episodes of weakness. A DNA test identifies carriers, and it is worth checking in horses of stock-type breeding.
Colors
leopard, blanket, snowflake, roan blanket, few spot, bay, chestnut, black, palomino, buckskin
Questions people ask
Are all Appaloosas spotted?
No. Some registered Appaloosas are solid-colored and show only the breed's other markers, such as mottled skin, a white sclera, and striped hooves. Coat pattern varies a great deal even within the same bloodline.
Is an Appaloosa a good beginner horse?
Often yes. The breed is known for a calm, sensible temperament and long history as a family and trail horse. As always, judge the individual horse and its training rather than the breed alone, and have the eyes checked at the pre-purchase exam.
What is moon blindness in Appaloosas?
Moon blindness is the common name for equine recurrent uveitis, a repeated inflammation of the eye that Appaloosas get more than any other breed. Left untreated it can lead to blindness, so prompt veterinary care at each flare matters.
Why do some Appaloosas have night blindness?
Horses born with two copies of the leopard-complex gene (LP/LP) cannot see in dim light. The gene also produces the most heavily spotted patterns, so the same genetics behind the color carry the condition. A DNA test confirms it.
Keep reading
Sources
Every figure on this page traces to one of these. We cite registries, associations, government and veterinary bodies, and published cost surveys - not other blogs.
- [1]ApHC Facts- Appaloosa Horse Club2026registryMore than 700,000 Appaloosas registered since the ApHC was founded in 1938; breed markers of mottled skin, white sclera, and striped hooves; range of disciplines.
- [2]Leopard Complex (LP), Congenital Stationary Night Blindness, and Uveitis- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC DavisstudyHorses homozygous for leopard complex (LP/LP) have congenital stationary night blindness and are at increased risk for equine recurrent uveitis; the LP gene also controls the spotting pattern.
- [3]Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP)- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC DavisstudyHYPP is an inherited SCN4A muscle-channel disease traced to the stallion Impressive and can appear in Appaloosas of Quarter Horse breeding; a DNA test identifies carriers.