The Appaloosa is an American horse breed developed by the Nez Perce and Palouse tribes. The breed's characteristic leopard-spotted coat is an identifiable—but not universal—trait. Other distinctive Appaloosa traits include its striped hooves, short mane and high intelligence.The Ultimate Horse Site: Appaloosa Horse

• Prehistory: Drawings of spotted horses appear on cave walls.

• 16th century: Horses brought to the New World by Spanish Conquistadors.

• 18th century: Palouse and Nez Perce tribes of the Pacific Northwest breed spotted horses for speed and intelligence. White traders name the horse for the Palouse tribe.Pet Care Tips: Appaloosa Horse

• 1806: Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark), observes of the Nez Perce: "Their horses appear to be of an excellent race.... Some of these horses are pided with large spots of white irregularly scattered and intermixed with black, brown...."The Ultimate Horse Site: Appaloosa Horse

• 1877: Fleeing north on horseback—many of which are Appaloosa—the Nez Perce win several successful battles against US Army.

• 1938: Appaloosa Horse Club founded to promote and preserve the breed.

• 1975: Appaloosa named State Horse of Idaho.

• Northwest Interpretive Association: Appaloosa Horse Plush Toy

• Yuckles: Appaloosa Horse Gifts

• Barnes and Noble: Appaloosa Horse Book

• CafePress: Appaloosa Horse Merchandise

• Animal Den: Appaloosa Horse Merchandise

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