The Appaloosa is the horse breed known for its distinctive spotted coat patterns. Its markings can appear as leopard spots, snowflakes, blankets, mottled skin, striped hooves, and a visibly white-colored sclera around the eye.
The breed is strongly associated with the Nez Perce people of the Pacific Northwest, who selectively bred spotted horses for useful riding qualities as well as appearance. The name “Appaloosa” is linked to the Palouse region, although the modern breed nearly disappeared after the Nez Perce War of 1877. The Appaloosa Horse Club was founded in 1938 to preserve and promote the breed.
Appaloosa is often confused with Pinto, but the terms describe different things. Appaloosa is a breed with characteristic genetic traits and patterns; Pinto generally refers to a color pattern that can occur in many breeds. Palomino describes a golden coat with a lighter mane and tail, while Arabian identifies a separate breed and does not itself mean spotted.