Of the Plateau wars the most renowned was the final conflict, the short-lived 1877 Nez Perce war. In the last of the 370 treaties the United States signed with Indians, the Nez Perces had been pressured into signing away their beloved Wallowa Valley in Oregon and relocating in an uncongenial site in Idaho. Just before the removal was to take place, several Nez Perce horses were stolen, and the patience of the younger warriors ended. They killed 18 settlers in retaliation, and the war was on. Led by Chief Joseph, the rebellious Nez Perces outmaneuvered the pursuing troops in a 1,600-mile running duel, and were only 30 miles from the Canadian border when they were finally captured.It was during this war their horses helped them elude the U.S. Cavalry. The Nez Perce were especially sophisticated horsemen with vast herds that included many spotted individuals. Historians believe they were the first tribe to breed selectively for specific traits, keeping the best and trading away those that were less desirable.
When they were defeated in Montana, their surviving horses were surrendered, left behind or dispersed to settlers and subjected to random breeding.