|
 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 Arabian
stallions were crossed with the local native mares during the eighth century
A.D. to lay down the foundations for the breed. Arabian 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 Arabian can be seen
particularly in the 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 Arabian stallions were
Godolphin 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 yeas, been able to alter the bred according to requirements,
which is a testament to their successful breeding.
The Percheron has been used
for farm and draft work, artillery work, as a warhorse, and as a riding
horse. Depending on demand, the Percheron has been bred to be either lighter
and more suited to ridden work, or heavier and more suited 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 grace and freedom of movement, and
amazing stamina, being able to travel in trot, on average, and incredible 35
miles a day!
Characteristically they have
a very fine head, which is attributed to the Arabian blood. They have 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 feathering,
and hard bone. Typically they are black or gray and stand between 15.2 and
17 hh.
Return to
Horse Breeds page
|
