Nez Perce Horse
 Nez Perce Horse | |
| Country of origin | Idaho, United States |
|---|---|
The Nez Perce Horse is a spotted horse breed of the
Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho. The Nez Perce Horse Registry (NPHR) program began in 1995 in Lapwai, Idaho and is based on cross-breeding the old-line Appaloosa horses (the Wallowa herd) with an ancient Central Asian breed called Akhal-Teke.[1]
This program seeks to re-establish the horse culture of the
nonprofit group called the First Nations Development Institute
, which promotes such businesses.
The Nez Perce Horse is "fit to carry the Nez Perce name," according to Rudy Shebala, director of the Tribe’s Horse Registry and the Nez Perce Young Horsemen program.[2]
The
spotted coat
or a blanket.
The Nez Perce Horse's conformation is longer and leaner than the Quarter Horses or other stock horses of the Western U.S., with narrower shoulders and hindquarters, a longer back, and a lean runner's appearance. They are good at long rides and compete well in endurance races; they are also good jumpers. The Nez Perce Horses are often gaited, with a fast and smooth running walk.
The
Nez Perce people are historically known for their selective horse breeding practices, according to NPHR breeders Jon and Rosa Yearout.[3]
Notes
- ^ Murphy, Michael (1995). "Nez Perce Launch Horse Breeding Program". Nez Perce Horse Registry. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
- ^ Winsor, Morgan. "Nez Perce horse culture resurrected through new breed". Idaho Natives. University of Idaho. Retrieved 2008-09-22.
- ^ "Welcome". M-Y Sweetwater Appaloosa Ranch. Archived from the original on 2010-12-29. Retrieved 2008-09-22.