Percheron Horse Breed Profile

Origins: The exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over time. By the time of the crusades the Percheron was widely recognized as outstanding for his substance and soundness, as well as for his characteristic beauty and style. Percherons were first imported to the United States in 1839 and thousands more in the last half of the 19th century. The Percheron quickly became the favorite of both the American farmer and the teamster who moved freight on the nations city streets. Following World War II, the invention of the modern farm tractor nearly made the breed extinct. The 1960's, saw a renaissance in the draft horse business as Americans rediscovered it's usefulness. Percherons are now back on small farms and working in the forest. Thousands of Percherons are used for recreation such as hayrides, sleighrides and parades.

Characteristics: Percherons are noted for heavy muscling in the lower thighs and for an aspect of unusual ruggedness and power. Also characteristic of the Percheron is the clean action and quality conformation of the feet and legs. An ideal horse should have a fairly long level croup with a big round hip. He should be close coupled and wide and deep through the chest, with plenty of back rib. The muscles of the arms, forearms, croup and gaskins plenty are especially emphasized in a good drafter, and ease and balance of gait is essential. He is also expected to be of marked tractability and an easy keeper. Good Percherons have a large and full prominent eye, a broad and full forehead, and straight face. His strong jaw and refined ears attractively set and carried with animation, suggests his arabian ancestry. Stallions should have a ruggedness about the head and mares should have a feminine look

Height: 15 - 19 hands

Color: Usually black or grey, but there are also sorrels, bays, roans, etc

Personality: Proud, alert, intelligent and willing worker