Where does the word Appaloosa come from?

Horses once roamed North America, but they went extinct here around 10,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1500s, when Spanish explorers brought horses back to the continent, that everything changed.

Over time, horses spread across the land—some escaped, others were traded—and Indigenous tribes became expert horsemen. The Nez Perce people, in what is now the Pacific Northwest, became especially renowned for their horse breeding. They developed horses that were not only intelligent and hardy, but often beautifully spotted.

Eventually, settlers in the Palouse River Valley noticed these horses and began calling them “a Palouse horse.” That phrase was later slurred into one word: Appaloosa.

At TES, we’re proud to care for one of these remarkable horses: Idaho. Idaho is a registered Appaloosa known for his warm personality and incredible versatility. He does everything from helping beginners at summer camp to competing with our IEA team.

If you have ever dreamed of riding, fall is a perfect time to start. Our lesson spots are filling fast—and Idaho and his stablemates are ready to welcome new riders.

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