Appaloosas horses are a popular breed due to the variety of colours they can be found in.

They have many other distinctive characteristics such as striped hooves, white sclera, and sparse manes and tails though ‘modern’ Appaloosas are bred to have full manes and tails. One of the most striking colours is the leopard spot. Other coat patterns include blanket, few spot leopard, snowflake, varnish roan and frost.

The conformation of an Appaloosa can vary greatly. The ‘stock horse’ build is well suited to Western Riding and horse racing up 400m. ‘Working’ or ‘foundation’ Appaloosas can still be seen working on ranches. Those with sport horse conformation lend themselves well to English riding and competiton.

Appaloosas are also in demand as leisure horses due to their striking looks and kind dispositions.