How did the apaloosa get its name?

Answer 1

The horses were located in the Palouse region of the North West. According to the Appaloosa Museum, they were often called "a palouse horse and, eventually, the a became part of the name.

Apalousey was the first form of the name which later became Appaloosa.

Answer 2

Nez Perce people of the United States Pacific Northwest developed the original American breed. Appaloosas were once referred to by white settlers as the "Palouse horse," possibly after the Palouse River, which ran through the heart of Nez Perce country. Gradually, the name evolved into "Appaloosa."

Answer 3

These horses were originally called "Palouse horses" by settlers, a reference to the Palouse River that ran through the heart of what was once Nez Perce country. Gradually, the name evolved into "Apalouse", and then "Appaloosa". Other early variations of the name included "Appalucy", "Apalousey" and "Appaloosie". In one 1948 book, the breed was called the "Opelousa horse", described as a "hardy tough breed of Indian and Spanish horse" used by backwoodsmen of the late 18th century to transport goods to New Orleans for sale. By the 1950s, "Appaloosa" was regarded as the correct spelling.