The Percheron Draft Horse

The Percheron is a powerfully rugged breed originating in the Perche valley in northern France. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but its ancestors are believed to be a cross between the heavy horses native to northern Europe and Arabians brought to Europe by the Moors.

In 1823 a horse named Jean Le Blanc was foaled in Le Perche and all of today's Percheron bloodlines can be traced back to this one horse.

Percherons were first used as battle mounts during the Middle Ages. When war horses were no longer needed the Percheron took on new roles such as pulling stagecoaches and working on farms.

The first Percheron were exported to America in 1839. Thousands of Percherons were imported to the United States in the last half of the 19th century, until World War II. By 1930, the Percheron was the most popular draft horse breed in the United States. After World War II, modern farm equipment took the place of draft horses. The Percheron was nearly forgotten. A handful of dedicated farmers preserved the breed. The 1960's saw a rediscovery of the draft horse breeds.

Characteristics of the Percheron are heavy muscling, clean action, and quailty conformation of the feet and legs. The neck is well-shaped and powerful. The mane is thick, and the tail usually is cut short. The breed has a wide chest and a well-rounded hip. The Percheron, also , has a large and full prominent eye, broad full forehead and straight face. A wide jaw and refined ears a visible evidence of the Percherons Arabian ancestry. The modern show Percherons have been bred for a longer, thinner neck, back and smoother-looking muscles.

Percherons range in height from 15 - 19 hands high, though most are between 16-2 and 17-3 hands. The average weight is 1,900 ounds but they can weight up tp 2,600 pounds.

The Percheron ihas a very pleasing dispositon and is proud, alert and intelligent. They are generally very gentle and strong willing workers.

Black and gray are the colors preffered by today's breeders. But Percherons also can be chestnut, sorrel or bay.

The Percheron Horse Assoiation of America was founded in 1876. The Association's permanent home is in Fredericktown, OH. There are also Percheron horse groups in Canada, France and England.

Percherons are used today to perform many tasks: logging, pleasure driving, riding, carriage businesses, hay rides, sleigh rides, farm work, and draft horse show competitions. The Percheron truly is a versatile draft horse breed.

Web Site Link :http://percheronhorse.org/