Appaloosa Horse Breed

Owners tell us: "My very first horse had Appaloosa bloodlines," says Lynda K.B. Taylor of Timber Creek Ranch in Worland, Wyoming. "That mare turned out to be my best friend, and she taught me about responsibility, communication, and listening to the horse's perspective."

Taylor's first best friend made her a lifelong advocate of the Appaloosa. A member of the ApHC since 1973, she admires the horses' dispositions, athleticism, and trainability. She now works with the breed, focusing on foundation breeding lines, and writes about its connections with Native American history.

Growing up in Okanogan County in Washington State, Taylor explored hundreds of miles of wooded and desert trails, all close to her home. In Wyoming, Taylor often rides throughout the Big Horn Basin, traveling through badlands and high desert plains, and along wooded trails.

This trail training helps Taylor's horses to be ready for anything. She says she's even prepping several of the horses to be search-and-rescue horses. "With their great dispositions, they'll be wonderful for any task," she says.

On the trail: When it's time to saddle up, Taylor rides her newest best friend, Fourmile's Blue Rybn. "We trust each other," Taylor says. "She can think her way out of tight situations, avoid hidden wire, and keep me safe when other surprises arise on a trail. Her disposition is awesome - and signals a trait of the foundation Appaloosa."

Taylor learned to rely on the horse she calls Rbyn (pronounced "Ribbon") when the pair ran across a calf caught in a wire fence. Instead of balking or panicking at the calf's constant cries, Rbyn stood still.

"It was my favorite moment trail riding with Rybn," Taylor says. "I really didn't know what to expect from Rybn at that time, but she proved to be solid as a rock. I felt like I had an extra helping hand as I helped the calf. From that point on, we were one team rather than just horse and rider."

Taylor's husband and daughter often accompany her on the trails, also riding the Appaloosas that are part of the family's breeding program. Together, the family has three mares, a 2-year-old stallion, a yearling stallion prospect, and a 2-year-old gelding. All are registered foundation ApHC Appaloosas.

Selection savvy: "Please consider the foundation Appaloosas," Taylor says. "They're smart, athletic, have long-lived stamina, are careful and tough, and have awesome, personable dispositions. You'll find a colorful partner that you can trust out on the trail."