Welcome
Welcome to the Perth Regional Appaloosa Association homepage and website. Thank you for visiting our site and we hope you find the information you are looking for.
Everything you would like to know or learn about our association is at your fingertips; competition updates and pictures, member’s stories, breeder’s information, information on how to become a member, general information on event requirements, show programs, clinic information and waiver/indemnity forms.
We hope you enjoy our site and see why we believe the appaloosa truly is the breed of choice.
Latest News
MARK SHAFFER - MECHANICS IN MOTION 2011
Our fourth Mechanics in Motion clinic held in Perth at Brookleigh Equestrian Centre is over and there were certainly some very weary horses and riders. PRAC has made a commitment to assist WA horses and riders to enhance their quality in movement whether it is for the western performance, dressage, show horse or any other discipline. With more than 100 World Champion titles under his belt, you can be assured that this horseman will give you that winning ride....
Silver Buckle Series 2011...
Perth Regional Appaloosa Club would like to thank all the people who attended the clinics and the final show, it was great to see some familiar faces and to also meet some new people along the way! The first clinic of the series was in May, held at the club grounds in Whiteman Park, covering Halter and Showmanship and was a huge success with 45 people attending...
Clinics and Forms...
State Show 2012
Download The Information Pack
Post State Show 2012
Download The Information Pack
Mark Shaffer Booking Form 2012
Download The Booking Form
Club History
The Perth Regional Appaloosa Association was formed on the 25th September 1975 following a meeting at the Perth Royal Show. At the club’s first Annual General Meeting on the 7th February 1976, the club formally adopted the name of the Central Regional Appaloosa Club (CRAC).
In August of 1979, a breakaway group formed a club in the southwest of the state. On the 29th of April, 1980, the club’s name was changed to Perth Regional Appaloosa Club (PRAC). The breakaway group disbanded early in 1983 and rejoined the PRAC.
The newly named Perth Regional Appaloosa Club held its first State Championship Show in 1980.
For the past twenty-nine years the club has held regular competitions, annual state championships shows, hosted clinics by local, national and international clinicians and grown in membership with currently 67 members belonging to the association.
The members and committee of the Perth Regional Appaloosa Club are dedicated to raising awareness of our magnificent and unique horses and helping them achieve their best, in and out of the show ring.
History of The Appaloosa
Today's Appaloosa is the oldest identifiable breed of 'modern' horse in the world. Images of spotted horses were found on the walls of caves in central Europe, dating back over 20,000 years ago; it has been estimated that the images were created around 18,000BC!
The Spotted horses spread throughout Asia, Europe, Russia and England and eventually to America with invading armies and traders, and as special gifts to Royalty and nobility. The Spanish Conquistadors took spotted horses with them as they blazed a trail through Mexico and South America. The breed spread northward until most of the Indian populations were using them by around 1700.
Once they were introduced to America the Appaloosa horse began what was arguably their most famous period, as horses prized by the Nez Perce Indians. The name Appaloosa is a variation of the Indian name for these horses - "Palouse Horse", named after a river in Idaho, USA. The Nez Perce Indians of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho were highly sophisticated horsemen, who unlike most tribes, carefully selected the spotted horses they were to breed, allowing only the best horses to produce offspring.
With the establishment of strict breeding program, the Nez Perce Indians developed a versatile hunting horse with no equal and a war-horse with an iron heart. These horses were bred to have unlimited speed and stamina and the temperament to remain calm under the worst conditions.
The Australian Appaloosa
Among the first registered Appaloosa's to arrive in Australia were the stallions Clover Joker Bull, Clover Cochise and the mare Clover Coconut. These horses left California on the 11 July 1966 and after an epic voyage finally arrived in Australia in 1967.
In 1971, a gathering of sixty-one Appaloosa breeders and enthusiasts attended a meeting in the R.S.L. Hall, Nathalia Victoria. The result of this meeting was the formation of the Appaloosa Association of Australia. By 1974 there were five Regional Clubs in Australia. There are now over 14 regional based clubs throughout Australia.