Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) UK LtdBreed Characteristics
Identifying the Appaloosa
Examples of Coat Patterns
The following photos are all horses registered with the club and are an example of the variety of striking Appaloosas we have.
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Leopard: Black spots on white
Near Leopard: Leopard spot with darker head and neck
Spotted Blanket: White blanket with spots
Frosted Blanket: White frosted blanket marking
Lacy Blanket: Lacy white markings on blanket
Few Spot: Few spots on white
Few Spot Rib markings: Few spot with rib markings
Snowflake: White spots/markings on dark colouring
Although Appaloosas are most commonly recognised by their colourful coat patterns, (such as those illustrated above: leopard, blanket, roans and few-spots) they have three other distinctive characteristics:-
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A: Mottled or Parti-coloured Skin
This characteristic is unique to the Appaloosa horse. Mottled skin is different from the commonly found pink (non pigmented or flesh coloured) skin in that it contains dark areas of pigmented skin within its area. Mottled skin may be found in several places; in addition to the muzzle and eye areas, it may be found around the anus or genitalia.
B: White Sclera
The sclera is the area of the eye surrounding the cornea. Rather like a human eye, the visible white sclera is a distinctive Appaloosa characteristic provided it is not in combination with bald face markings.
C: Striped Hooves
Many Appaloosas will also have bold and clearly defined vertically striped hooves, although striped hooves may result from an injury to the coronet band or white markings on legs. As a result, not all striped hooves can necessarily be determined as Appaloosa characteristics, so look for other Appaloosa characteristics in addition if any of these situations apply to your horse.
Appaloosas do not always display the above characteristics. In this case Appaloosa parentage may be verified through blood testing.