Documentation of Influential Stallions in the Appaloosa Industry Since 1960

There is a lack of information on influential Appaloosa stallions from the 1960s to present day. Appaloosa Horse Club members participated in a survey to identify which Appaloosa stallions are influential overall, by discipline (English, Western, Cattle, and Racing) and by association (Trainer, Breeder, Promoter, and Exhibitor). An email survey was sent to the available emails of the ApHC membership. The survey responses were analyzed resulting in three stallions being designated overall influential. Those stallions were Dreamfinder, Prince Plaudit, and Goer. Interviews were conducted with ApHC members that had first-hand experience with the stallions to collect oral histories. The interviews were compared to archived information, statistics, and the survey data to give a complete oral history of each stallion. The theory of social construction is a concept that contributes to the creation of a group. Social construction works through the use of oral histories, which acts to record perspectives of the past. Oral histories are important for letting individuals know the past and where they come from. This document shows the influence of specific Appaloosa stallions on the industry since 1960. It informs members of the ApHC why these stallions are considered influential. The oral histories intensify the written facts already documented on these stallions. Oral histories add validity to what is already considered fact. This allows future Appaloosa enthusiasts to understand the history of their beloved breed.