Percheron

Originally from the La Perche district of Northern France, the Percheron is one of the most popular draft horses and is found worldwide. As with many breeds of horse, the exact roots of the Percheron are not known although they are a breed of great antiquity. There has been evidence recovered of a type of horse, very similar to the Percheron, having existed in the La Perche area since the Ice Age,

It is likely that Arab stallions were crossed with the local native mares during the eight century A.D. to lay down the foundations for the breed. Arab blood has been repeatedly introduced to the Percheron over the years and it is one of the most elegant of the heavy horses. The influence of the Arab can be seen particularly in their unusually free flowing and active stride. The famous Le Pin stud in France was a central breeding area for the Percheron, and in 1760 was responsible for importing several Arabian stallions to the stud to cross with the Percherons. Two very influential Arab stallions were Gadolphin and Gallipoly. Gallipoly sired one of the most famous Percheron stallions, Jean le Blanc, who foaled in 1830. Breeders of the Percheron have, over the years, been able to alter the breed according to requirements, which is a testament to their successful breeding.

The v has been used for farm and draft work, artillery work, as a warhorse, and a riding horse. Depending on demand, the Percheron has been bred to either lighter and more suited to ridden work, or heavier and more suitable to draft work. Currently, the Percheron is bred primarily as a draft and farm worker and, due to its outstanding qualities, is often used on other breeds to improve their stock. For a heavy horse, they have a grace and freedom of movement, and amazing stamina, being able to travel in trot, on average, an incredible 35 miles a day!

Characteristically they have a very fine head which is attributed to their Arab blood. They are a well-made neck set onto a good wither, a deep chest, muscled quarters, and a strong back. Their legs tend to be short and clean with minimal feather, and hard bone. Typically they are black or gray, and stand between 15.2 hh to 17 hh.

Start Page : Percheron