i've ridden a lot of Appaloosas and they are great horses.Just make sure you get the right one.I think they are good horses for kids.But,they can be expensive.Try the newspaper in the Horses and Livestock section or a 4-h or Pony Club.some1 in 1 of those groups may have a good horse they want to sell and pony club and 4-h horses are usually well trained and experienced.they also might be cheaper.I'd suggest getting a horse between 10 and 20 years old.A very young one might be hard work,and not as good 4 kids.