The Appaloosa horse breed was developed by the Nez Perce of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. This selective breeding included many spotted horses that were prized and envied by other tribes. When white settlers came to the Northwest Palouse region, they called the spotted horses "Palouse horses" or "a Palouse horse." Over time the name was shortened and slurred to "Appalousey" and finally "Appaloosa." During the Nez Perce War of the 1800's, Appaloosa horses helped the Nez Perce avoid battles and elude the u.s cavalry for several months. The tribe fled over 1,300 miles of rugged, punishing terrain under the guidance of Chief Joseph. When they were defeated in Montana, their surviving horses were surrendered to soldiers, left behind or dispersed to settlers. I grew up riding and training horses alongside my father. Before I was even able to walk he had me on a horse. His influence has shaped my life greatly. Horses are natural healers that can sense emotional states and provide accurate reflections of a person's mood, creating a safe space to process feelings. Dimensions: 12" x 12" Ink on heavy weight paper with a chip board backing and packaged in a plastic sleeve.