Enter our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways here!
SubscribeGift a Sub
Enable cache 100
Categories: Horse News

Appaloosas Racing Expands to More Spots

OK, so we’re not talking Kentucky Derby or Breeders Cup races here. But the furiously fleet Appaloosas that race deserve some recognition, too. Just recently the Idaho Appaloosa Racing Association (IARA) hosted two new races, a derby and futurity. The contests were held in Blackfoot, Idaho over Labor Day weekend. The two races proved to be a success, with nine starters and more than $6,000 in purse money.



Tisa Arrow C, a 3-year-old Appaloosa, went down in history as the first winner of the IARA Derby. She won $1,860 of the $3,100 purse, bringing her lifetime earnings to $5,358. The very next race was the inaugural running of the IARA Futurity. That was won by Badons Corona Extra, a 2-year-old Appaloosa. The gelding won $1,980 of the $3,300 total purse, bringing his lifetime earnings to $5,775.



Although in relative obscurity compared to Thoroughbred race horses, Appaloosas have been galloping to the finish line for decades. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in total purses. In 2006, 203 starters competed in 440 races for $2,904,774 in total purses. Today, racing fans can find Appaloosas heading for the winner’s circle in Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

Abigail Boatwright

Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.

View Comments

  • I had no idea Appy racing existed! A friend of mine has a horse that may want to compete in this - I'll pass it on...

Recent Posts

Shop Small Business Saturday: Equestrian Edition 

It’s holiday shopping season and I’ve spent the last few months searching for unique or useful equestrian gifts. I’m so…

3 days ago

Choosing the Right Hay Type

Timothy, orchard grass, alfalfa, fescue, clover—so many hay types! What’s the right type of hay to choose in your particular…

3 days ago

Thrush Season Is Upon Us.

As horse owners, you know it’s time for that stinky, white crumbly grossness that comes with thrush - and even…

5 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Hazel

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

6 days ago

ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Breaking Bullet

Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…

1 week ago

EHV-1 Outbreak Reported in Texas

Austin, Texas – Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) today issued an alert to Texas horsemen of…

2 weeks ago