Buyer question
Is an Appaloosa horse good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Appaloosa horse 4 out of 5 for beginners (sensible with good training).
Source: the Appaloosa horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Appaloosa horse in the Animal Library
The detail
A spotted stock horse associated with the Nez Perce people of the Pacific Northwest. It is sturdy, sensible and versatile, and the gene behind its coat pattern also brings a much higher risk of an eye disease that can cause blindness.
- Temperament
- Steady, hardy, smart
- Best fit
- Trail, western, families
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Smart, can be stubborn)
- Upkeep
- 3 out of 5 (Eye care, fly masks)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Durable and steady)
What to weigh
Appaloosas are many times more likely than other breeds to develop equine recurrent uveitis, a painful, recurring eye disease. Fly masks and fast vet care for any eye problem are part of ownership.