The Arappaloosa horse was a designer horse with breeders combining the Appaloosa coat patterns and coloration with the elegance, spirit and endurance that the Arabian Horse is famous for.
The Arappaloosa may also be more correctly known as the AraAppaloosa, which most closely indicates the Arab infusion of blood into the Appaloosa horse line.
An Arappaloosa can be registered as a Half-Arabian, in the Appaloosa registry as well as with the AraAppaloosa And Foundation Breeders International or AAFBI.
The Arappaloosa is becoming a very popular horse in almost all types of events and competitions that include speed, endurance, athletic ability and intelligence. They are seen in both western and English type competitions and events with North America, and are even becoming more popular with international horse breeders.
The original Appaloosas bred and raised by the Nez Perce Indians of the northwestern United States would have had some breeding with the Arabian horses and the Iberian breed brought over with the Spanish explorers and later with other groups of settlers and explorers. The breeders of the Arappaloosa indicate that adding additional Arabian blood to the line is sound genetically plus it can provide a return the original style of Appaloosa horse.
Claude Thompson, the founder of the Appaloosa Horse Club, used Arab horse lines in his breeding program as early as 1938.
A leopard spotted Arappaloosa horse called A Mir Image won as Silver Medallion for Suitability in Dressage in the Worlds in 1994. He also won 4th place in 2000 for his work in the Nationals in endurance.
The Arappaloosa is often a lighter bodied horse than the purebred Appaloosa and is considered to be a better jumper and more suitable to dressage that the slightly heavier Appaloosa.
It is not unusual for an Arappaloosa to have a "streaked" looking mane and tail, much different than other breeds. The bars of color that run along the mane and tail make this breed have a very unique appearance that is hard to duplicate. This streaking is most commonly seen in the leopard spotted Arappaloosa pattern.
Some Arappaloosa's will have a very full mane and tail that are typically of the Arabian influence. Others may have the shorter and somewhat brushier looking tail of the Appaloosa, giving owners a lot of variation and options.
Arappaloosas are bred for temperament as well as athletic ability. They are typically very good horses for children and depending on the lineage there are some that will mature at close to the 14 hand mark, making them ideal horses size wise for children or smaller adults.
It is not uncommon for Arappaloosa to be able to complete lengths of 30 to 100 mile endurance races provided they are properly trained and conditioned. Many endurance riders are now going to the Arappaloosa as the natural stamina and endurance of the Arabian combines with the determination and great hardiness of the Appaloosa to make a winning combination.
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