The Appaloosa is known for its pretty and patchy coat which is so colorful. This is one of the American horse breeds.
A wide range of body types is available in this breed. These horses have a base coat and there are spottings overlaid on it.
The color pattern of each horse is genetic. According to an equine coat color genetic study, some physical characteristics of this breed are linked to the leopard-linked mutation.
The original American breed developed in the United States in the northwest of the pacific. At that time this breed was known as Palouse horse and this name was given by the settlers.
The name Palouse changed into Appaloosa gradually. In the US, this breed is the most popular among all. In 1975, this breed was named as the state horse of Idaho.
The pony of America, several gaited horse breeds, and the Nez Perce horse breed are influenced by the Appaloosa bloodline. If you are a horse lover and you have a desire to buy Appaloosa horses, then you have to do deep research about their market price and maintenance cost also.
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How Much Does Appaloosa Horse Cost?
The general cost of an Appaloosa horse is between $1,000 to $10,000 approximately. The cost depends upon their training, age, breeding, health condition, and pedigree. They are very friendly and gentle in nature. So beginners can also handle this breed easily.
Before buying the breed you have to understand the temperament of Appaloosa. After knowing the history and training of the horse, you should consider buying.
Uses of Appaloosa
For battle, hunting, and transport, Appaloosa horses were used in ancient times by Nez Perce people. In the present, this breed becomes so versatile.
Nowadays Appaloosa Horse are used for racing, trail riding, rodeo events, and used in western riding sports also.
They are also used for breeding like other species. For healthy horse breeding, you have to consult with a vet. It is preferable to do a breeding soundness exam.
This can rectify the problems before breeding. When your horse faces an improper cycle, it is difficult to breed. So by this exam you can know the problem and solve it, then start the breeding process.
In every 21 day cycle, they can only breed on 5-7 days. So you have to track the ovulation period of your mare for breeding.
Cost of baby Appaloosa horse
The baby Appaloosa horses whose age is under 1 year, are called foals. The foals cost around $450 to $500 approximately. Obviously, $450 is the minimum price for babies. The cost can go around $7,500 for those horses with more attractive coat patterns.
Cost of stallion Appaloosa horse
A stallion appaloosa costs around $4,200. The categorized stallion appaloosas cost between $450 to $8,000.
Cost of Appaloosa mares
This is hard to estimate the exact cost of this appaloosa gender. The minimum cost of an Appaloosa male can be $1000 and the highest cost of this gender can be $12,000. A height of 15H chestnut Appaloosa was sold at the price of $13,500.
This is the most expensive and overheated price of an Appaloosa male.
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What facts make an Appaloosa horse special and costly?
Stunning pattern: Among the top 15 gorgeous horse breeds, Appaloosa is one of them. They are genetically blessed with spotted patterns on attractive coats. Because of this reason horse lovers are attracted to this breed and want to buy one.
Versatility: Although they have magnificent durability and speed, this breed was used for long-distance rides. But now the Appaloosas are utilized for farm work and trail riding.
Compact body: In the past, by Nez Perce people used the first breed of Appaloosa in wars. At that time, their bodies seem to be narrow, slim, and rangy.
Nowadays the weight of an average Appaloosa is around 950 to 1,250 pounds, the height is 56 to 64 inches. After the revolution, their body becomes well proportioned and muscular.
Temperament: The Appaloosa hoses are fearless and intelligent in nature. In some circumstances, they become stubborn but you can handle them with love. Nonetheless, they are the first option of horse lovers.
Maintenance cost of an Appaloosa horse
It is very important to research the monthly cost of this breed before buying one. A moderate amount of food is required for a healthy Appaloosa.
This breed has sound health. They need good quality hay, fresh grass, some fruits, vegetables, and grains.
If they can’t feed freely on grazing land, then you have to provide them with mineral and vitamin supplements. Depending upon their size, the food quantity may vary.
Monthly Food Cost For Appaloosa horse
The monthly cost of feed is around $200 to $650 approximately.
Vets visit Cost For Appaloosa horse
If your horse falls sick, then the visit to the vet costs around $200 to $400 annually.
If you make a horse barn or stall, it costs around $10 to $100 per square foot.
Others Cost For Appaloosa horse
The size of the stall depends upon the feature and size of your Appaloosa. This breed needs care as well as other horse breeds but low maintenance compared to others.
They are so friendly and don’t love to sit in the stall all day. They love to roam around the grazing land and interact with other horses.
As we know, horses can sleep by standing position. It does not mean they don’t need shelter. For laying down for some time and for their safety purpose, you have to provide them a stall.
To escape from the rain, you have to provide them with blankets which should be waterproof. It might cost around $50 to $100 according to the size.
Every 6-8 weeks, the hooves of the Appaloosa should be trimmed. The time duration of trimming depends on the environment, body type, and activity level.
This costs around $50 to $150. Like their other body parts, their teeth are also growing continuously. If you don’t look after their teeth, then it becomes pointed and they may suffer while chewing. So you have to take them to the vet at least once a year. It costs around $150 to $300 annually.
Conclusion
Depending on which type and for what purpose you want to buy an Appaloosa, the price may be as low as $1000 and it varies with the highest price of $13,000. The Appaloosa is so calm and useful, so the cost should not bother you. For a particular reason, these horses are more expensive. So don’t be tempted towards the cheap cost. If you are wishing for a good quality horse, then be ready for high investment.
