Description and characteristics of Appaloosa horses, features of maintenance and price
The Appaloosa horse is very popular with horse breeders. This animal is characterized by an unusual color and calm character. Horses participate in exhibitions and competitions. They are great for horse riding. In order for animals to develop normally and have strong immunity, they need full and high-quality care. It includes a balanced diet and good hygiene.
History of the breed
Horses of this breed are native to America. They appeared by crossing imported individuals with local animals. The Indians used horses for riding. Local horse breeders tried to get hardy and unpretentious animals with a soft character. As a result, the breed has been endowed with amazing characteristics. However, as a result of military conflicts, the number of animals has decreased significantly.
Crossbreeding with other breeds did not bring results. The population was restored in 1938. The enthusiasts, led by farmer Claude Thompson, have created a club for lovers of these animals. From that moment on, the livestock began to gradually increase, and the breed became more popular.
Appaloosa are common in North America. However, they are gradually being bred in other countries. Today there are about 500,000 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. Spotted skin is considered a characteristic feature.
Appearance
Horses are characterized by a spectacular color and proportional physique. The characteristic features include the following:
- the head is small and pointed ears;
- strong neck;
- short and powerful back;
- rounded and strong body;
- strong legs and powerful hooves;
- high tail;
- silky mane.
Expressive eyes are considered a characteristic feature of animals. The horse suit combines several shades. There are several color options - suited, roan, spotted. Roan and spotted saddlecloths 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 fast change of pace, excellent gallop, the ability to overcome obstacles at a gallop. These features help horses win races. They are suitable for a variety 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 well trained. They are also characterized by excellent gallop and trot. Horses are diligent and learn tricks easily.
The ability to find contact with humans in animals is at the genetic level. They have been interacting with people for a long time and treat them with good nature. Horses of this breed are great for learning to ride for all people, including young children.
Advantages and disadvantages of appaloosa
The advantages of the breed include the following:
- endurance;
- high pace of running;
- unpretentiousness to nutrition;
- unusual color;
- excellent shoveliness;
- good attitude to people.
The only drawback is the high cost of stallions. For the rest of the parameters, horses are suitable for all horse breeders.
Maintenance and care
For horses to develop normally and have strong immunity, they need full and high-quality care.
Stable arrangement
The main point in keeping a horse is the arrangement of the stables. For these animals, the materials from which the dwelling is built are important. When setting up stables, consider the following:
- It is recommended to build the premises from wooden logs or bricks. Concrete block buildings will not work 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 drain the urine into the drainage system. It is definitely recommended to make a bedding from sawdust and straw.
- It is recommended to place feeders near the aisle. They should have rounded corners. Drinking bowls are placed diagonally to prevent feed from entering the water.
- Ventilation is recommended in the stable. In this case, it is worthwhile to ensure that there are no drafts.
- Heating is required during the cold season. The temperature should not be less than + 10-15 degrees.
Diet
When drawing up a diet, it should be borne in mind that it must be balanced. Therefore, it is recommended to observe the following rules:
- In winter, 50% of the daily ration 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 given separately from other feeds.
- It is permissible to introduce chopped legumes into the diet - peas, chickpeas. The daily amount of such feed 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 for horses to give vegetables fresh or boiled. These include potatoes, carrots, and beets. They should be washed and chopped beforehand.
- It is permissible to introduce compound 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 hygiene rules is important. In this case, 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 caring for a horse, it is recommended to immediately clean the head, shoulders, back and limbs from one side. Then repeat the same steps for the second side. First, remove the dirt with a brush. Then wash the animal with plain water. The eyes and nostrils should be wiped with a damp washcloth, the mane should be combed. It is recommended to clean the hooves by hand or with a special hook.
Breed breeding
For breeding, healthy and calm-tempered horses are suitable. When choosing a pair, it is worth making sure that the mare is slightly older and larger than the stallion. For breeding, horses over 3 years old are suitable.
Mating in animals can be natural or artificial. It is held from March to July. In this case, the foal will be born in spring or summer.
Treatment and prevention of diseases
The Appaloosa are healthy, but sometimes they face a variety of injuries and illnesses. To do this, it is worth observing prevention methods.
Horses often suffer from leg ailments. The most common problems include the following:
- inflammatory lesion of the hooves;
- sprained tendons;
- chipped hooves;
- decay 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, the appaloos develop diseases of the digestive organs. Most often they suffer from stomach cramps. In such a situation, it is necessary to cleanse the intestines, rinse the stomach, and do massage.
There is also a risk of infection of horses with helminths. This is due to the lack of cleanliness of the stables, the use of low-quality feed or the use of pasture grass. Anthelmintic drugs will help to cope with the problem. Animals can suffer from dermatological pathologies that cause them severe discomfort. Dangers to horses are ticks and flies. Also, dirt and humidity in the room are often the cause of skin pathologies.
Purpose, use and price
Horses of this breed are considered excellent racers. Today they are actively used in races and competitions. Horses can participate in rodeos, jogging, 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 characteristics. The Appaloosa is a popular horse breed that has many benefits. For the proper keeping of animals, they are advised to provide complete and high-quality care. Horses need suitable conditions, a balanced diet, and good hygiene.
