Horses: Palouse

Country of Origin

Australia

Australian Status

Uses

Halter, Dressage, Ridden (both Western and English), Trail, Harness, Games.  A very versatile pony!

Breed Traits

The Palouse pony has been bred to be under 14.0 hands at maturity, with similar characteristics to the full sized Appaloosa horse:  spots, mottled skin, white sclera, striped hooves.  Both miniature versions and those large enough to be ridden by adults exist.

History

The Appaloosa horses and ponies of today trace their lineage back to the spotted ponies developed by the Nez Perce/Nimiipuu people of the Pacific Northwest of North America.  The Nez Perce lived along the Columbia River Plateau in what is now Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.  The Palouse river runs through this area, and the horses and ponies are named after it.  

The Nez Perce used selective breeding practices, only breeding the best to the best, and produced a superior horse/pony with excellent stamina, conformation, and disposition.

History in Australia

The Palouse pony is, however, uniquely Australian.  In 1974 a group of interested people met with the intention of forming an association and registry for the breed which would inherit all the excellent qualities of the Appaloosa horse, but be under 14.0 hands at maturity.

Breed Organisations

The Australian Palouse Pony Association, Inc. who also have a very active Facebook page.

Australian Population

2022: Mares 140; Stallions 14
2025: Mares 210; Stallions 80

Photo Credit

Top: Cherwood Springbank owned and exhibited by Monique Smith

Page by C. Wormald, Feb 2026

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