Some misinformation exists in our opinion regarding the Appaloosa, especially the Foundation-bred (or as we call them the Classic) Appaloosas. Here are some of the things we have heard and the facts as we see them:

Myth: "Appaloosa is a color, not a breed. All it takes for a horse to be an Appaloosa is for it to have an Appaloosa coat pattern."

2KS Fact: Appaloosas are a breed not a color and have been recognized as such by the USDA. They have their own unique combination of attributes and breed characteristics, but the most recognized are indeed the spotted coat pattern and white sclera ("whites" of the eyes) displayed by many Appaloosas. However, they also possess balanced conformation, good sized, hard hooves (often striped), overall soundness, stamina, and great dispositions. Crossbreeding to other breeds has diluted many of these characteristics and the recognizable Appaloosa "look".

Myth: "If you breed a horse to any regular registered Appaloosa, you have a good chance of getting a loudly colored foal."

2KS Fact: Extensive crossbreeding of Appaloosas to solid breeds has reduced the overall amount and quality of color found in most of today's Appaloosas. Registration records also show that the percent of colored foals born has declined significantly over the last 20 years. And, genetic research indicates that even regular registered Appaloosas without color are lacking a gene necessary for Appaloosa "color" production. The lower the percentage of Appaloosa blood in the pedigree, the less likelihood you have of getting a quality colored foal.

Myth: "If you want to breed performance horses, you have to crossbreed to get the necessary movement and natural ability."

2KS Fact: Many Foundation-bred (Classic) Appaloosa bloodlines possess exceptional movement and performance ability. This is shown by the success such horses have had in a variety of disciplines. When left undiluted by crossbreeding, these bloodlines have been shown to consistently produce talented, well-balanced, long-muscled, elegant horses.

Myth: "Even Appaloosas with proven ability cannot consistently produce good performing offspring, so crossbreeding is needed to improve the breed."

2KS Fact: We recognize that crossbreeding can produce some very nice individuals, and there are outstanding crossbred horses registered with the ApHC. However, as noted in the "2KS Fact" above, there are many excellent Foundation Appaloosa bloodlines. It is obvious that crossbreeding does not lend itself to concentrating the existing genetics for desired traits. Some breeders that have taken the route of crossbreeding have been disappointed by the results obtained when they later bring crossbreed offspring back into the breeding program. It is our opinion that the best method is to breed WITHIN the Appaloosa breed in order to refine and concentrate the outstanding genetic traits that founded the breed. This proven approach to breeding and genetics is practiced at 2KS.

Myth: "Foundation-bred Appaloosas are unrefined, ugly horses with rat tails and jug heads."

2KS Fact: Foundation-bred (Classic) Appaloosas have characteristics that are representative of the Appaloosa breed. These characteristics give them soundness, longevity, stamina and versatility. These Appaloosas do not look like copies of other breeds. We ask you to view the horses on our web site and make your own judgment.