SPOTLIGHT ON APPALOOSAS!
‘A UNIQUE BREED’ - Maria Stokes
It was during the late 1970’s that a friend of Maria Stokes asked her if she’d like to come and help her at a horse show. While Maria helped her friend with her Appaloosas, she couldn’t help but notice the difference in the temperament from some of the other breeds that were there. Comparing them with her friend’s calm Appaloosas was an eye-opener for Maria. She realised that her friend’s horses were constantly standing quietly, just waiting to do their job. From that point on, Maria was hooked, eventually purchasing her own Appaloosas.
‘It’s not just their temperaments that I love,’ Maria admits. ‘It’s also those beautiful Appaloosa colour patterns — leopards, blankets, few-spots, snow-caps, varnish and the many variations in between!’
While having a kind horse that’s so unique in colour is pretty cool, Maria also wants to highlight their many other positive traits.
‘I’m an Appaloosa owner for life! I love their trainability, brains, personality and versatility. They really get under your skin and when you own one, you end up wanting more. A big draw card is the Appaloosa community… they’re like family! The Appaloosa Nationals has become my favourite annual
