Mouthy Mondays +

I had a question back on the last Mort story which I almost forgot about. Since it ties in with my definition of lightness I thought I'd stick it in here before we get to enjoy the next story. Then school's out for awhile, I promise.

It was about pushing my horses hip into the center of a circle when I'm loping him. Anon asked if I used my inside leg to block him so he wouldn't drift into the circle.

I don't. I have my inside leg relaxed and neutral.

I teach my horses to travel straight between my reins.

He also knows to head towards my leg if it comes off him and away from a leg that is putting pressure on him.

If I put pressure at the cinch he will move away from the pressure with his shoulders.

If I put pressure back towards the back cinch he will move his hindquarters away from the pressure.

My hands simply ask him to stay on the circle.

He knows these things before we try to move his hip into a circle at a lope.

So when he is travelling on his circle, which he does so often he carries himself along the same path no matter what, I don't change my hands other than raising them to get light contact and to remind him to stay on his circle.

Then I push with my outside calf, somewhere around the back cinch, keep my inside leg neutral and his hind legs go in towards the center.

Keep in mind, at this point in training my horse seeks the path of the circle because that's where the least input from me is.

So I push his hips in, release pressure and he steps back on the circle.

Then when it's time to change leads I push his hips out of the circle, he changes in the back as I guide his front end with my hand to the next circle.

I'm working on this in a straight line up the road of my stable at the moment. He is bringing his hips back to my straight line.

I'm thinking I'm going to end up with spot on lead changes and a cleaner run-down. We'll see.

Michelle sent in a history on her favorite breed. I lived in Boise Idaho when I was in grade school. I was an Appy fan then and held onto it when I first starting riding out at Mark Reynor stables.

I think I switched to QH simply because I found Mort first. I've known some nice Apps though.

You can check out Michelles blog at michelle@fromthehorsesback.com

A Spotted History

“From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” These words, spoken by Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce people, marked the end of the 1877 Nez Perce war and the demise of the carefully bred spotted horses the Nez Perces rode. After Chief Joseph’s surrender, those hardy horses were seized by the U.S. Calvary and either traded or shot.

The Nez Perce were one of the first groups to practice selective horse breeding. They carefully chose the stock that would reproduce and either traded or gelded inferior animals. Eventually, they developed a horse that was known for its hardiness, versatility, agility, and striking beauty. After the war, the confiscated horses were carelessly interbred with horses of varying quality, and the spotted “Palouse” horse was almost lost. In 1938, the Appaloosa Horse Club was formed and has since organized the redevelopment of the breed.

The modern Appaloosa has been outcrossed over recent generations to enhance various attributes of the breed. Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, in particular, have contributed to the current style of Appaloosas used in competition. While the outcrosses have increased the average size and refinement of the horse, they have resulted in fewer horses with the color patterns so closely associated with the breed. Changes to registration requirements in recent years have encouraged more frequent Appaloosa to Appaloosa breeding, and the obvious Appaloosa characteristics have become more apparent at horse shows once again.


What are the typical Appaloosa characteristics? Well, the most obvious is the colorful coat patterns that many Appaloosas sport. A wide range of base colors is acceptable, from white to grulla to black and everything in between. Coat patterns vary from roan (white hairs interspersed throughout the coat) to the classic blanket pattern or the easily recognizable leopard. Appaloosas also have less obvious characteristics. Mottled skin around the muzzle and genitals, white sclera around the eyes, and striped hooves are often found on Apps of any coloration. Many people aren’t aware that solid colored Appaloosas can also be registered and shown.

Throughout the history of the breed, Apps have retained their versatility and are widely used for a variety of careers. They excel in the show ring, performing in events such as hunter under saddle, barrel racing, jumping, western pleasure, and cutting. Appaloosas consistently hold their own in all-breed pleasure shows such as Just for Pleasure, the Reichert Celebration, and the Tom Powers futurities. Several Appaloosas have successfully competed in high level dressage and horse racing. They are known as being sure-footed trail mounts and sensible parade horses and are gentle enough for family horses.

The Appaloosa Horse Club and Appaloosa owners in general have a certain degree of pride for their horses’ colorful past. Every year, riders and their Appaloosas retrace a section of the path that Chief Joseph and his people followed on their attempt to reach Canada before being captured. This historic ride holds a powerful spot in the hearts of those who complete it. The history of the Appaloosa is also honored in the show ring with classes such as heritage, which includes native dress and a written historical summary of the pieces worn by horse and rider. Even the gaming classes give a nod to the ancestors, with the Camas Prairie Stump Race (barrels) and Nez Perce Stake Race (poles) being run horse against horse at breed specific shows.

All in all, the Appaloosa is a fantastic all-around horse. Their gentle, easy going nature, versatility and hardiness, rich history, and unique appearance make this breed an easy choice for many horse owners. If you haven’t experienced an App and you “spot” one, check it out! You won’t be sorry!