Foundation Appaloosas are Registered Appaloosas (APHC), but go beyond being Registered Appaloosas, by carrying at least 75% Foundation Appaloosa blood from early Appaloosa breeding.

The Nez Perce people were noted as one of the first breeders of the Appaloosa horses.  They used the practice of gelding inferior males and trading away poorer stock to remove unsuitable horses from the gene pool. The early Nez Perce horses were considered to be of high quality by the 1800's. 

Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition wrote in his February 15, 1806 journal entry:"Their horses appear to be of an excellent race; they are lofty, elegantly [sic] formal, active and durable: in short many of them look like fine English horses and would make a figure in any country."

The first registered Appaloosas came from Appaloosa bloodlines such as the Nez Perce Appaloosas, thus the Foundation bloodlines.  However, many Appaloosas through the years have had their bloodlines diluted with other breeds.

A Registered Appaloosa can be bred to a Registered Thoroughbred, Arabian, Quarter Horse, or another Appaloosa, and it's foal will be a Registered Appaloosa.  So although these are registered Appaloosas, by blood they can be 50% or more another breed, thus not being purebred.  There is a big difference between Registered and purebred. 

To be a purebred, an animal must not only be 5 generations of Appaloosa to Appaloosa, but also at least 75% blood of the original breed.  Thus, our Appaloosas at Appaloosa Hillside Farm are not just Registered, but are also purebreds.  Most people assume that Registered means purebred, but as you can see, it does not. 

The International Appaloosa Association (IPAA) explains in greater detail, and registers Foundation Appaloosas.  The idea is to preserve, enhance and promote the Foundation Appaloosas. 

The Appaloosa horse is known for it's characteristics, coat patterns, striped hooves, mottled skin, white sclera and it's versatility.  Although these things are paramount to the Appaloosa breed, the Foundation Appaloosa is this, and much more.  Foundation Appaloosas have longevity, good bone and hooves, stamina, agility, hardiness, with great conformation and temperament.  They also are easy keepers.  They range in size from 14 hands to 17+ hands.  At Appaloosa Hillside Farm, we are selectively breeding Foundation Appaloosas around the 15.2 to 16+  hand range. 

Do not just own a registered Appaloosa, but a registered Foundation bred Appaloosa.  There is a big difference. 

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