CHAPTER 1 Meet the APPALOOSA An Appaloosa walks slowly around the arena The spotted horse can move quickly but that's not what its rider needs This Appaloosa is a therapy horse People with disabilities ride it This Appaloosa is good at its job Its steps are regular and steady Smooth movements help its rider relax She smiles and laughs
How Big Is an Appaloosa 1,000 900 800 1,100 1,200 1,300 1,400 1,500 pounds 700 600 500 pounds 1,000 TO 1,100 WEIGHT POUNDS 454 to 499 kilograms 6 6
A Bold History Appaloosas have worked with humans for hundreds of years Around the 1700s the Nez Perce began breeding Appaloosas They wanted smart fast and strong horses Today’s gentle Appaloosas still have these traits at withers HEIGHT 57 TO 64 INCHES 145 to 163 centimeters 7
