The Appaloosa horse is very popular among horse breeders. This animal is characterized by an unusual color and calm character. Horses participate in exhibitions and competitions. They are great for riding. In order for animals to develop normally and have strong immunity, they require complete and high-quality care. It includes a balanced diet and good hygiene.
History of the breed
Horses of this breed come from America. They appeared by crossing introduced individuals with local animals. The Indians used horses for riding. Local horse breeders tried to get hardy and unpretentious animals with a gentle character. As a result, the breed was endowed with amazing characteristics. However, as a result of military conflicts, the number of animals has decreased significantly.
Crossing with other breeds did not bring results. The population was restored in 1938. Enthusiasts, led by farmer Claude Thompson, created a club for lovers of these animals. From that moment on, the livestock began to gradually increase, and the breed became more popular.
Appaloosas are common in North America. However, they are gradually starting to be bred in other countries. Today there are approximately 500 thousand of these horses.
Main features of the species
Horses of this breed have an average height of up to 1.5 meters. Their weight is 450-500 kilograms. A characteristic feature is spotted skin.
Appearance
Horses are characterized by spectacular colors and proportional physique. The characteristic features include the following:
- small head and pointed ears;
- strong neck;
- short and powerful back;
- rounded and strong body;
- strong legs and powerful hooves;
- high tail;
- silky mane.
A characteristic feature of animals is their expressive eyes. The color of the horses combines several shades. There are several color options - suited, roan, spotted. Roan and spotted saddlecloth are also found.
Productive qualities of animals
Horses of this breed are mainly used for racing. They are distinguished by their endurance and obedient character.These animals are characterized by a quick change of running pace, an excellent gallop, and the ability to overcome obstacles while galloping. These features help horses win races. They are suitable for various types of equestrian sports. These include:
- rodeo;
- horse racing;
- games;
- runs.
Character traits
These horses have a calm and polite disposition. Animals are considered active, highly intelligent and highly trainable. They are also characterized by an excellent gallop and trot. Horses are diligent and easily remember tricks.
The ability to find contact with humans in animals is inherent at the genetic level. They have been interacting with people for a long time and treating them with good nature. Horses of this breed are excellent for teaching horse riding to all people, including small children.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Appaloosa
The advantages of the breed include the following:
- endurance;
- high running pace;
- unpretentiousness to food;
- unusual color;
- wonderful sovietness;
- good attitude towards people.
The only disadvantage is the high cost of stallions. In other respects, the horses are suitable for all horse breeders.
Maintenance and care
In order for horses to develop normally and have strong immunity, they require complete and high-quality care.
Arrangement of the stables
The main point in keeping a horse is the arrangement of the stable. For these animals, the materials from which the home is built are important. When arranging stables, it is worth considering the following:
- It is recommended to build the room from wooden logs or bricks. Concrete block buildings are not suitable in this case.
- The optimal stall size should be 10-14 meters. The walls should be 40 centimeters thick. The height of the room is 3.8 meters.
- Lighting should be natural and artificial.Windows should be placed at a height of 1.5-2.1 meters. It is also permissible to use energy-saving lamps.
- The floor must be concrete. At the same time, it should be poured at an angle to remove urine into the drainage system. It is definitely recommended to make bedding from sawdust and straw.
- It is recommended to place feeders near the passage. They should have rounded corners. Drinkers are placed diagonally so that food does not fall into the water.
- It is recommended to provide ventilation in the stable. At the same time, you should make sure that there are no drafts.
- During the cold season, heating is required. The temperature should not be less than +10-15 degrees.
Diet
When compiling a diet, it is worth considering that it must be balanced. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
- In winter, 50% of the daily diet is hay.
- The straw can be oat, corn or millet. It should be mixed with hay or steamed.
- In summer, fresh grass becomes the basis of the diet. However, this product should be introduced gradually.
- It is recommended to combine boiled wheat or barley grains with cake or peas.
- Oats should be fed separately from other foods.
- It is permissible to introduce chopped legumes into the diet - peas, chickpeas. The daily amount of such food should not exceed 2 kilograms.
- It is allowed to use rye or wheat bran. It is also permissible to add cake to the diet.
- It is permissible to give horses fresh or boiled vegetables. These include potatoes, carrots, and beets. They should be washed and crushed first.
- It is permissible to introduce mixed feed into the diet.
There must always be water in the stable - it is important that it is clean and not very cold.
Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is important. At the same time, it is worth cleaning the animal itself and its home. It is recommended to clean the stable every day. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing infections. When grooming a horse, it is recommended to immediately clean the head, shoulders, back and limbs on one side. Then repeat the same steps for the second side. First, dirt should be removed with a brush. Then wash the animal with plain water. Eyes and nostrils should be wiped with a damp washcloth, and the mane should be combed. It is recommended to clean the hooves by hand or with a special hook.
Breed reproduction
Horses that are healthy and calm in temperament are suitable for breeding. When choosing a mate, you should make sure that the mare is a little older and larger than the stallion. Horses over 3 years old are suitable for breeding.
Mating in animals can be natural or artificial. It is held from March to July. In this case, the foal will be born in the spring or summer.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
Appaloosas enjoy good health, but sometimes they experience various injuries and illnesses. To do this, it is worth following prevention methods.
Horses often suffer from leg diseases. The most common problems include the following:
- inflammatory lesions of the hooves;
- tendon sprains;
- hoof chips;
- rotting of the hoof frog.
Horses of this breed can develop uveitis. Treatment should be selected by a doctor. Otherwise the animal will go blind. With improper nutrition, appaloosa develop diseases of the digestive organs. Most often they suffer from stomach colic. In such a situation, you have to cleanse the intestines, rinse the stomach, and do a massage.
There is also a risk of horses being infected with helminths.This is due to insufficient cleanliness of the stable, the use of low-quality feed or the use of pasture grass. Anthelmintic medications will help cope with the problem. Animals may suffer from dermatological pathologies that cause them severe discomfort. Ticks and flies pose a danger to horses. Also, the cause of skin pathologies is often dirt and humidity in the room.
Purpose, use and price
Horses of this breed are considered excellent horses. Today they are actively used in races and competitions. Horses can participate in rodeos, jogging, and competitions. They are often used for family vacations.
You can buy a stallion of this breed for 70-150 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on age, color and other features. The Appaloosa is a popular horse breed that has many benefits. To properly care for animals, it is recommended that they be provided with complete and high-quality care. Horses need suitable conditions, a balanced diet, and proper hygiene.
