How the Appaloosa Got Its Spots

Long ago, every horse had a simple brown coat and a flowing black mane and tail. One horse longed to stand out in her world of uniformity amid the other horses.

Roaming through vibrant meadows and traversing up and down steep tree-covered mountains, she encounters creatures with unique characteristics.

How can she stand out amongst her horse friends?

The mystery of her one-of-a-kind spots unfolds in this exquisitely illustrated tale that celebrates individuality and self-discovery, perfect for young readers aged 4-8.

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Why did I write about Appaloosa horses?

I moved my horse to Blackwood Farms at the age of 12, and changed disciplines from hunt seat equitation to eventing. I began learning dressage from their school horse Witch, a beautiful moving bay roan appaloosa who was an absolute schoolmaster to ride, unless there was a thunderstorm which she was terrified of…you were often blind-bolting around the indoor arena before you even realised there was thunder!

When I graduated to jumping, I progressed onto another appaloosa school horse Max, a blue roan appaloosa, who taught countless teenagers and adults to do flatwork and jump. He did occasionally enjoy dumping them in puddles when they weren’t paying attention, and he had a heart of (mostly!) gold.

Ric was a leopard spotted appaloosa who was gelded late in life, resulting in lots of squealing when in the stables with horses next door. My good friend Vanessa leased him from Blackwood and successfully took him up to training level eventing, always blitzing the dressage with his handsome good looks!

Appaloosa horses have always held a special place in my heart, teaching me the foundations of my favourite sport, and many lessons along the way.