Appaloosa horse: description and characteristics of the breed, features of the content

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 riding. In order for animals to develop normally and have strong immunity, they need 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 imported 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.

Appaloosa are common in North America. However, gradually they begin to breed in other countries. There are approximately 500,000 of these horses today.

Key features of the species

Horses of this breed have an average height - up to 1.5 meters. Their weight is 450-500 kilograms. Mottled skin is considered a characteristic feature.

Appearance

Horses are characterized by a spectacular color 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.

Expressive eyes are considered a characteristic feature of animals. The suit of horses combines several shades. There are several color options - single-colored, roan, spotted. There is also a roan and spotted saddlecloth.

Productive qualities of animals

Horses of this breed are mainly used for racing. They are distinguished by endurance and obedient character. These animals are characterized by a quick change in the pace of running, a wonderful gallop, and the ability to overcome obstacles at a gallop. These features help horses win races.They are suitable for various types of equestrian sports. These include:

• rodeo;
• racing;
• games;
• runs.

Character traits

These horses have a calm and polite disposition. Animals are considered active, have high intelligence and are well trained. They also have a wonderful gallop and trot. Horses are diligent and easily remember tricks.

The ability to find contact with a person in animals is laid down at the gene level. Since ancient times, they interact with people and treat them with good nature. Horses of this breed are great for teaching riding to all people, including young children.

Appaloosa advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the breed include the following:

• endurance;
• high paced running;
• easy to eat;
• unusual color;
• beautiful shovels;
• good attitude towards people.

The only negative is the high cost of stallions. In other respects, the horses are suitable for all horse breeders.

Maintenance and Care

For horses to develop normally and have strong immunity, they need complete and high-quality care.

Arrangement of the stable

The main point in the maintenance of a horse is the arrangement of the stable. For these animals, the materials from which the dwelling is built are important. When arranging stables, consider the following:

1. The room is recommended to build from wooden logs or bricks. Concrete-block structures in this case will not work.
2. The optimal size of the stall should be 10-14 meters. The walls must be 40 centimeters thick. Room height - 3.8 meters.
3. Lighting should be natural and artificial. Windows should be placed at a height of 1.5-2.1 meters. It is also acceptable to use energy-saving lamps.
4. 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 a bedding of sawdust and straw.
5. Feeding troughs are recommended to be placed near the aisle. They must have rounded corners. Drinkers are placed diagonally to keep feed out of the water.
6. It is recommended to provide ventilation in the stable. At the same time, it is worth making sure that there are no drafts.
7. In the cold season, heating is required. The temperature should not be less than +10-15 degrees.

Diet

When compiling a diet, it should be borne in mind that it must be balanced. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

1. In winter, 50% of the daily ration is hay.
2. Straw can be oatmeal, corn or millet. It should be mixed with hay or steamed.
3. In summer, fresh grass becomes the basis of the diet. However, this product should be introduced gradually.
4. It is recommended to combine boiled wheat or barley grains with cake or peas.
5. Oats should be given separately from other feeds.
6. It is permissible to introduce crushed legumes into the diet - peas, chickpeas. The daily amount of such food should not exceed 2 kilograms.
7. Rye or wheat bran is allowed. It is also permissible to add cake to the diet.
8. It is permissible for horses to be given fresh or boiled vegetables. These include potatoes, carrots, beets. They should first be washed and chopped.
9. It is permissible to introduce compound feed into the diet.

Be sure to always have water in the stable - it is important that it is clean and not very cold.

Hygiene

Hygiene is important. At the same time, it is worth cleaning the animal itself and its dwelling. The stable is recommended to be cleaned 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 on one side. Then repeat the same steps for the second side. First, the dirt should be removed 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.

Reproduction of the breed

He althy and temperamentally calm horses are suitable for breeding. When choosing a pair, 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 spring or summer.

Treatment and prevention of diseases

Appaloosa are he althy, but sometimes they face various injuries and illnesses. To do this, you should follow the methods of prevention.

Horses often suffer from leg diseases. The most common problems include the following:

• inflammatory lesions of the hooves;
• stretch tendons;
• chipped hooves;
• rotting arrow hooves.

Horses of this breed can develop uveitis. Treatment should be selected by a doctor. Otherwise, the animal will go blind. With malnutrition, Appaloosa develop diseases of the digestive organs. Most often they suffer from stomach cramps.In such a situation, you have to cleanse the intestines, wash the stomach, and massage.

There is also a risk of infection of horses with helminths. This is due to insufficient cleanliness of the stable, 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. Horses are endangered by ticks and flies. Dirt and humidity in the room are also 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, runs, competitions. They are often used for family holidays.

You can buy a stallion of this breed for 70-150 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on age, suit and other features. The Appaloosa is a popular horse breed that has many benefits.For the proper maintenance of animals, they are recommended to provide full and high-quality care. Horses need suitable conditions, a balanced diet, good hygiene.

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