The Walkaloosa horse breed is a reasonably uncommon horse breed that originates from the United States. Walkaloosa horses are a gaited horse breed with the same exotic Appaloosa pattern and origins as the Appaloosa horse (the breed is basically a gaited Appaloosa). It is believed to have developed an ambling gait by crossing an Appaloosa horse with a gaited breed such as the Tennessee Walking Horse. Some also believe that the breed may originate from Paso Fino, Missouri Fox Trotter or the Peruvian Horse. The breed is primarily famous for its distinctive spotted coat pattern, although it is approved for most coat colors. It was previously known as a gaited Appaloosa and wasn't recognised as its own breed until the Walkaloosa Horse Association was established in 1983.
9 Facts About the Walkaloosa Horse (You probably Didn't Know)
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Gaited Breed
The Walkaloosa is a gaited horse breed, which means that they have a 4th gait (one more than the usual walk, trot, canter). This 4-beat gait is a very smooth, natural gait that is faster than a walk but slower than a canter. This makes the Walkaloosa horse a great option for trail riding, as its ambling gait is not as bouncy as the trot and can be maintained for a longer period. Also known as the 'indian shuffle'. Balance of movement
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Great Family Horse
Walkaloosa horses are a gentle and intelligent horse breed making them perfect family horses. They are quick learners and can be trained to be used for almost any discipline.
Intelligent minds
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Strict Breeding Program Requirements
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Thrive in Both Cold & Warm Climates
The Walkaloosa gene pool is spread throughout North America, and many thrive in warmer climates in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. In contrast, others have been exported and thrive in the cold Winters in Canada. The appaloosa coloring has made the breed popular, hence the breed has slowly spread globally.
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Spotted Coat Pattern
The walkaloosa horse is mainly known for its unique spotted coat pattern, but the truth is that the breed comes in any appaloosa coat pattern, including leopard, bay, black, chestnut, gray, grulla and more.
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A New Horse Breed
The earliest recorded registration of a walkaloosa did not happen until 1983, when the Walkaloosa Horse Association was established to separate the gaited Appaloosa horses from the non-gaited Appaloosas. The breed has however been around for hundreds of years under the name 'Gaited Appaloosas'. -
13-16 Hands
Most walkalosas stand between 14 and 16 hands tall, while some can be as small as 13 hands high.
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Mostly Used For Western Disciplines
The walkaloosa breed is mostly used for endurance riding and western disciplines. They are great barrel racing prospects due to their short legs and stocky body type and a great trail riding partner due to their natural ambling gait. It almost feels like a running walk to an inexperienced rider
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The Name of the breed
The name was made up from its 4th Gait & Origins. An Appaloosa that can walk = Walkaloosa.
In conclusion, the Walkaloosa Horses are naturally gaited animals with a unique spotted pattern and a sweet puppy personality. If you happen to come across one, don't hesitate to buy it, as they are a gentle and beautiful horse breed that loves to please their owners.
