Percheron | breed of horse | Britannica.com breed of horse Connemara Percheron, heavy draft- horse breed that originated in the Perche region of France. The breed probably stems from the Flemish “great horse” of the Middle Ages; modified by Arabian blood to develop a coach-horse type, it was changed again in the 19th century by introduction of draft-type blood to produce animals for heavy farm work. Although a few Percherons were imported earlier, they did not become popular draft animals in the United States until after 1851. Before mechanization revolutionized farming, Percherons were widespread and influenced American agriculture more than any other draft breed. Percheron stallion with black coat. © Scott Smudsky Percherons average 16 to 17 hands (64 to 68 inches, or 163 to 173 cm) high and weigh 1,900 to 2,100 pounds (860 to 950 kg). The head is fairly small and clean cut, the neck long, and the body well muscled. Common colours are black and gray.

Percherons are agile and energetic for their size and display a mild disposition . The Percheron Horse Association of America and its predecessor organizations date from 1902. Learn More in these related articles: horse a hoofed, herbivorous mammal of the family Equidae. It comprises a single species, Equus caballus, whose numerous varieties are called breeds. Before the advent of mechanized vehicles, the horse was widely used as a draft animal, and riding on horseback was one of the chief means of transportation.... Perche region of northern France on the border of Normandy, mainly in the east of the Orne département, with extensions into neighbouring départements. Formerly a county, it was united with the French crown in 1525. It is largely hilly country, the Perche Hills having summits of about 1,000... Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles.

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Close Date Published: April 22, 2008 URL: Access Date: January 19, 2017 Share Percheron, Horse Care and Horse Facts About the Percheron Horses Hello , so guys i am having some good quality of marwari horses and mares so if any body is interesed can contact:-7837768166 Tejinder Partap Singh I want to purchase a Malwari mare any 1 can help me??? syed husnain abid I am interested in buying halfinger embryos MACARIO PEREZ I have available now in my ranch, two very healthy 4 year old friesian horses. Perfect for dressage. A male and a female. Both are approximately 15.2 hands. No health complications. Looking for interested persons. Email me at sanuellazakoy@yahoo.com sandra i want buy a horse .pls help me at low price Sher khan Clydesdale needed. Must be muscular and strong. Appx. age- 15 yrs. Using for hauling loads up to 230 lbs. Thanks!

Tiffany Percheron : Information and Community for the Percheron and its owner Percheron percheron Like many old breeds, the Percheron's exact origins are unknown, but it is said that its ancestors were crossbred between the heavy "forest horse" type of animal native to northern Europe and the Arabians that were brought to Europe by the Moors. Percherons probably owe their size and weight to their use as battle mounts during the Middle Ages. After the invention of gunpowder, heavy warhorses were no longer needed, so the Percheron took up its new job pulling heavy French stagecoaches. With the invention of the railroad, Percherons switched to farm duty and heavy labor. It is probably because of this evolution that the modern Percheron is such a versatile and adaptable horse. Today, Percherons serve as logging horses but also are valued as pleasure driving horses, riding horses, and as competitors in both regular horse shows and in draft horse showing. The Percheron is a breed of powerful rugged draft horses that originated in the Perche valley in northern France.

pets History of the Percheron | Percheron Contact Us History of the Percheron The History of the PercheronThe exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over time. Some believe they are descendants of the original horses found in the Ice Age, while others believe that the Percheron is closely related to the Boulonnais horse used in the Roman invasion of Brittany. Still others believe the breed is from Abdel Rahman’s Arab stallions or part of the horses used by the invading Moors at the battle of Poitiers, which were divided among the victorious French forces.From this point in history we believe the Percheron originated in the area of La Perche, a district of Normandy, one of the oldest horse breeding regions in the world. The breed developed from the local heavy Flemish breeds. Today, Percherons are primarily noted for their heavy draft work but in the 8th century Arabian and other oriental horses were mated with the heavy native horses and cob stock, producing the first of the Percheron horses.

This lightened up the Percheron for riding and light draft work.Around the Middle Ages Spanish blood was introduced by the Comte de Perche and later the Comte de Rotrou imported Andalusian stallions, which were used on the Percheron mares. In the 18th century, Arabs and the new English Thoroughbreds were also imported and used. The Royal Stud at Le Pin made Arabian stallions available to breeders of Percheron horses in an effort to improve the breed. In 1820, two gray Arab stallions were imported into the Le Perche area and used extensively on the existing stock, and it is from these two that the present day gray colour on the Percheron stems. In 1823, a horse named Jean Le Blanc was foaled in Le Perche and all of today’s Percheron bloodlines trace directly to this horse. The breed has served as a carriage and farm horse. It has also been used as a warhorse, and an artillery horse. It was exported to North America, South America, and Britain and was used as a working horse, and as a genetic influence on other heavy breeds.

By the end of the 1800s, breeders were becoming more interested in a heavy draft horse than a carriage horse. By the middle of the 19th century, the old strains of Percheron blood had almost disappeared and the heavy mares from neighbouring Brittany were brought in to mix with the last remaining old Percheron stock. The small area of La Perche focused on agriculture around this time and began breeding for the heavier Percheron again. This is the type of Percheron that is familiar today. Percherons were first imported to the United States in 1839, by Edward Harris of Moorestown, New Jersey. The stallions, Normandy and Louis Napoleon, were imported to Ohio in 1851. Louis Napoleon was later sold into Illinois and wound up in the hands of the Dunham family who were instrumental in forming the Percheron Association. The first Percheron imported into Canada came via the United States, but originally came from France. Hence, the Percheron remains genetically pure, with registered animals in both Canada and the United States tracing directly through all lines of their ancestry to the nucleus of foundation stock originating in La Perche.

Following World War II, the invention of the modern farm tractor nearly made the breed extinct. As America modernized and mechanized, the Percheron was all but forgotten. However, a handful of farmers, including many Amish, dedicated to the preservation of the breed and kept it alive through the next twenty years of the draft horse depression. Throughout the centuries, the Percheron has changed type (today there are still heavy and lighter-heavy types), size, and jobs with great adaptability. Throughout this the Percheron has remained amenable, active, kind, energetic and elegant. Hence it’s popularity. Character and Care The Percheron is noted for its equable temperament, its intelligence, ease of handling and willingness to work. It is an elegant heavy horse due to the infusions for the Oriental-type blood throughout the centuries. Despite their great size, Percherons are active, showy and easy movers. Their stride is not as choppy as that of other heavy horses. Its action is stylish, long, free and comparatively low. In color, blacks and grays are preferred, but browns, sorrels and bays appear and are also registerable.

Although a heavy horse this elegant type shows it’s Oriental ancestry in its head and facial expressions. The head should be medium sized, have a lean, clean cut and be quite broad between the eyes, with an alert pointed ear of medium size. A large, prominent eye showing plenty of spirit is desired. Stallions should have a bold masculine head while mares have a more refined, feminine head. Percherons should have a wide, deep chest which provides for greater lung and heart capacity but one does not want the shoulders standing out prominently from the body. The shoulder should have a slope of about forty-five degrees to enable the horse to lift its head naturally. A low-headed horse is not as smart looking as one that holds its head up without effort. A nicely curved chest and a neat throatlatch go with a reasonably high head. Also, a horse with a neat, clean throat line can tolerate a lot more heat than one that is coarse and rather fleshy between the head and the shoulder. The horse should stand squarely on its front legs. The knees should be wide, deep, flat and well defined. A post-shaped leg is not desirable because it reduces flexibility in the joints.

A pastern that is fairly long and a slope at about forty-five degrees is one that usually stays sound the longest since it provides more spring to the stride. There should be a good length of flat bone between the knee and the pastern. At the bottom of this leg should be a large round foot, moderately deep and wide at the heel with a good frog to serve as a cushion. A flat foot is not desirable. The back should be straight, broad and strong in proportion to the length of neck and shoulder height. The croup should be long and fairly level, enabling the animal to have a large, well-muscled hip. From the standpoint of power and action, it is important that the points of the hocks be turned in slightly and that the horse stand with the hocks fairly close together. The hocks should be so placed that if a line is dropped from the point of the buttock it will touch the point of the fetlock. Here again there should be a long sloping pastern. The cannon bone should be of fair length and flat but not thin. The hocks should be quite close together when the horse is walking or trotting as well as standing.

The lack of feathers on the lower legs distinguishes from other heavy horse breeds. The modern Percheron often reaches 17 –18 hands with a few even taller. Tall horses with smoothness of stride are much in demand for hitch purposes. Mature Percherons range in weight from 1600 pounds to and in excess of 2400 pounds. There are many Percherons being raised that do not reach the top heights or weights, but are good quality and provide the breed with a wide base for genetic variation. Like any heavy draft breed, it is resistant to most weather conditions and for its size, surprisingly does not need excessive amount of food to keep it in good condition. However, due to it’s thin skin and fine satiny coat this could indicate that it is not as hardy in extreme winter conditions as other draft types - yet the Perheron has been exported all over the world and has been credited on how well it adapts to it’s new climate. Today’s Percheron Today, Percherons are used in a variety of ways. The 1960′s saw a renaissance in the draft horse business as Americans rediscovered its usefulness.

Percherons are now back on small farms and working in the forest. Thousands of Percherons are used for recreation such as hayrides, sleigh rides and parades. Due to their elegance, docility and stunning appearance they are often found working for brewing companies. Percherons are shown in competition hitching and halter classes in many US and Canadian county fairs across both countries. The light breed of Percherons are used under saddle for both English and Western riding horses and are very popular for breeding up quality for horses in the hunter and driving breeds. The Percheron is known throughout the world as the breed characterized by a long, aggressive, smooth and true stride that shows determination and willingness. In spite of mechanization and automation the Percheron breed has survived, and in recent years, has increased tremendously in popularity and numbers. A strong demand exists for well-bred Percherons that are consistently placing among the top national and international shows. Whether your interest is the flashy hitch classes, the exciting pulling contests or a good chore team, the Percheron has no peer!

1000+ images about Percheron Horses on Pinterest | Percheron horses, Dalmatians and 4 year olds A beautiful Grey Percheron near the stables at the 2004 Draft Horse Classic. Grass Valley, CA. See More Topic: Percheron Mules | Draft Animal Power Draft Animal Power Sustainable farming, forestry and living Menu Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total) Author Plowboy Participant From what I have read and learned from mule people, the Percheron mule is highly prized and commands high prices to those who work them. I also learned that the reason there is so many sorrel mules is that there is a lot of Belgian mares readily available to raise mule colts. The Percheron folks are more likely to raise purebreds because of the show demand which most of them don’t realize is a saturated market and they would bring more money if bred as work stock except for a few exceptional individuals. Much of the quality of a mule also depends on a quality Jack with good build,legs,pasterns and some bulk to produce big working mules.

Legend says that at the height of the Missouri mules their mothers were Percherons. In the fifties when the tractor took over the primary draft purebred was Percheron because Belgians were just starting to get popular when Ford, John Deere and Farmall came into play. I’m not ready to haul my mares off to a jack but often wonder if they were raised and trained with their mothers if they would be quite as suspicious? What does everyone else think about this? January 26, 2008 at 9:00 pm #45432 Participant Mules in general have, throughout history, been prized for many of their attributes. Like anything else, there will be preference and fad in the form of body style, color and breed. I’m sure some others as well. Like breeds like. The last I knew, color didn’t have anything much to do with an animals workability and work ethic. I have, and have had many different mules, draft horses, and jackstock over the years. I am cautious about showing singular allegence to any one breed. The proof is in the pudding. If a certain mare and jack combination produces good mules than by all means continue.

I had 2 span of mules all out of the same mating cross. They were really good diligent animals to work with. A pleasure to be around. When the fifth one came along I sold it. Now I had 4 animals that I thought were the salt of the earth. This man, for what ever reason, just couldn’t get along with this mule, so I swapped her back for one of his sisters. After a few weeks she settled in and it was as though there was no change. What works for one may not work for another. It doesn’t make one wrong or better than the other. I think that you may be limiting yourself if you are looking to build a preference to any one breed. I have found sucess in looking for certain attributes vs. a special breed for my needs. I guess if you are breeding for the registered market you would be required to add certain breed characteristics into the mix. When ever you are breeding a hybridized animal there are alot more things to consider. As a young boy, the most coveted feed team in the county was made with a Percheron X mare and a Belgian mule. That kind of stuck in my head. This is a pretty big subject.

I’m sure that others will have more to contribute. January 26, 2008 at 9:16 pm #45429 J-L Participant When looking at any animal, attitude is where I start. Color is way down the line. Especially with mules. The saying pretty is as pretty does really applies. Having said that, I think those perch mules are beautiful. The prettiest team of mules I have ever seen were a big pair of dapple gray mules, but I don’t know how good they really were. The best team of horses I ever worked were Percherons. The best mules were Belgian. Who knows. January 26, 2008 at 10:16 pm #45428 Plowboy Participant It seems according to the sale reports that the PA Amish are paying more for good blacks and greys than for sorrel mules. I feel with my experiences that Percheron horses are quicker on their feet, have better feet, and are more responsive than their Belgian counterparts. When putting together a big field hitch if we put Percherons in front things stay tight.

There are many good Belgians around so don’t think I’m down grading them. I thought this would make good conversation seeing the Mule sector was lacking posts and maybe some of us could learn something. January 27, 2008 at 11:30 pm #45430 J-L Participant I agree with you on the horses. My old team of blacks were real nice. Not much stumbling in rough going and when you had somewhere to go they had a very fast walk and could hold it for quite a ways. My last team of belgians were kind of stumble bums. Going over the frozen cow turds tripped them up on the feed ground a lot. The belgian mules however are a lot more nimble than the horses were. That hybrid vigor seems to have given them more bottom as well. They seem smart enough. I’ve got to say this about mules in general, their feet are darn good. I used to continually fight lameness in my draft horses. In this country they go from wet conditions to very dry for months and cracks just hit those horses hard. My mules get a trim now and then, mostly just to remind them that I can pick up their feet.

This country is quite rocky and keeps their feet worn down pretty good. The other thing about the mules is that they are feed efficient. Granted they are only half-draft and smaller than the full draft horses but they don’t take a whole bunch of feed in comparison, especially when working. January 29, 2008 at 11:42 am #45433 Contact The Origin and History of the Percheron Horse As with any ancient race, the origin of the Percheron breed is shrouded in myth, for the foundations of the breed precede extensive documentation, and certainly pedigrees, by several centuries. The breed derives its name from the place that served as its cradle. Le Perche is an old province about 53 by 66 miles located some 50 miles southwest of Paris. It bordered Normandy on the northeast and the Beauce country, known as the granary of France, on the east. It is a gently rolling, well-watered and fertile place with a benign climate, pre-eminently suited to the raising of livestock. It was, thus, ideally situated to capitalize on trade opportunities as they arose following the middle ages and well into the modern era.

From the earliest known times the people of Le Perche have been producers of horses, not often buyers, always free sellers to the adjacent areas and, ultimately, the world. In the matter of breeding horses they were a world unto themselves . This is how Alvin Sanders, author of A History of the Percheron Horse (©1917) describes the race of men who developed this race of horse: " Their horses are a part of their inheritance, particularly prized and accustomed to the affectionate attention of the entire household. Their docility, growing out of their intimate human relationship, is therefore an inborn trait ". Traditionally it has been a race with a preponderance of greys. Old paintings and crude drawings from the middle ages affirm this. The French Knight is almost always portrayed on a grey or white charger. Their mounts are depicted as horses with considerable substance for that time, but without coarseness.

When the day of the war horse (thanks to gun powder) was over, this color and that substance with style, was made to order to provide France with horses to pull heavy stage coaches.What was needed was a horse that could trot from 7 to 10 miles per hour and the endurance to do it day in and day out. The light colored greys and whites were preferred because of their visibility at night. With three turnpikes from Paris to the coastal ports of Normandy running through Le Perche, the French did not have to look very far to find the right kind to pull the heavy mail and passenger coaches for the kings of France. They were called Diligence horses, as the stage coaches were called diligences. They were more than a heavy coach horse with extravagant style, they were more like drafters. So let's just use the French word and call them Diligence Horses. When rail replaced the diligences, other roles called on this equine race. Cities were growing rapidly and omnibuses were the public transport of the day. Thousands of omnibus horses were called for in Paris and other French cities.

The job called for a little heavier horse, the breeders of the Le Perche altered their local breed enough to do the job. At the same time horses (faster and stronger) were replacing oxen in agriculture. The nearby Beauce, the granary of France, needed a bigger horse for agriculture. As trade and commerce grew, so did the need for horses of heavy draft to move large loads from docks and railheads. They needed an even larger horse than did the farmer. Again, the breeders of Le Perche complied. From the war horse (heavy saddler) to diligence horse (heavy coacher or light draft) to the true horse of heavy draft, the breeders of Le Perche sculpted away on their beloved indigenous breed for hundreds of years, altering the animal to meet the demands of the times and to entice the buyer. Across the sea a confident young republic was experiencing the same changes from stage coach to rail, from agrarian to industrial and from sail to steam. The United States was without any breeds of its own. Its horse stocks had been heavily drawn down by its own Civil War in the 1860s.

The west was being settled, its cities were growing, and there echoed the same cry for bigger, stronger horses than heretofore, just as in continental Europe. The only source of such stock was in western Europe. Americans became steady visitors and determined buyers of such seed stock. The initial importation's of French stock were in 1839 and 1851. None of those first importation's came from La Perche, but rather from Normandy. Nonetheless, they provided a beginning. The decades of the 1870s and 80s were years of massive importation's from Europe. Literally thousands of draft-type horses, especially stallions, were imported primarily from France and Great Britain. A battle was on for the hearts and pocketbooks of American importers. As the trade grew and importers ventured further inland in search of the best kind, the little old province of Le Perche was discovered. Or, more to the point, the superiority of its draft horses was discovered. For France had and still does, several races (breeds) of draft horses.

The age of purebred livestock had dawned, stud books, herd books, and flock books were rapidly spawned on both sides of the Atlantic. In the winter of 1875-76, in Chicago, Illinois, a National Association of Importers & Breeders of Norman Horses was launched. By the time the 2nd volume of the stud book was published the name was altered to Percheron-Norman . In a matter of just a few years the hyphenated version became simply "Percheron". The Percheron quickly became America's favorite horse. In the decade of the 80s almost 5,000 stallions and over 2,500 mares were imported to this country from France, mostly from Le Perche. The number exceeded importation's from Great Britain and the rest of continental Europe. Those heavenly days, leaving millions of dollars in little Le Perche, lasted until the financial panic of 1893. There were virtually no importations from 1894-1898. Breeding in this country came to a standstill.

Much of the seed stock from the earlier period was lost or squandered as people were either broke or too cautious to spend it if they had it. One of the tens of thousands of businesses that went bankrupt was the young Association. The recovery was almost as abrupt as the downslide. Importations were resumed in 1898, averaging about 700 head a year from that time to 1905. In 1906, they reached the enormous number of 13,000 stallions and 200 mares. Happy Days were here again, both in places like Crossroads, USA and Le Perche. Annual registrations reached 10,000 per year by the teens. In 1902, a new breed association was formed, picking up the records from the old. These fortuitous circumstances were rudely interrupted in 1914 by the outbreak of World War 1. The days of great importations were over once and for all. The position and role of the draft horse was being threatened by trucks in the cities and tractors on the farms. The equine population of the Unites States crested about 1920.

While the draft horse waged a determined campaign to "keep its job" it was a losing battle, particularly on the city streets. On the farms, the draft animal pretty well held its own during the 1920s, but the decade was a lackluster one for the heavy horse interests. You can't be loosing a substantial part of your market and be singing Happy Days are Here Again at the same time. The 1930s census is a good indication of the affection Americans had for the Percheron. Over 70% of the purebred draft horses in America were Percherons. Every major land grant school in America maintained a stable of Percherons. Much of the farm press was still loyal to the horse as the most economical source of farm power. Then came the great depression of the 1930s and the draft horse made a dramatic comeback. Corn was cheap, farmers were broke, gasoline wasn't free. Registrations more than doubled in a few short years. In 1937 they reached 4,611, a figure not seen for over a decade. Importations of a few quality horses were resumed on a modest scale.

But the tractor had also been improved, put on rubber, and was selling like hot cakes as the decade closed. Then came the 1940s and World War 2 and an almost complete mobilization of manpower. During that war an awful lot of the farming got done by old men and their wives, and high school and younger kids. Gasoline was plentiful. The use of drafters during the war declined. When the veterans came home they were, for the most part, mechanically inclined and their fathers were tired. The greatest liquidation of draft horse stock in history started and kept right on going clear through the 1950s until they were no longer considered worth counting in the official agricultural census of the United States. It was truly a vestige that was left as the 1960s dawned. The low point in Percheron registrations came in 1954 when just 85 head were recorded. The term endangered species was certainly appropriate though not yet in common use. It was a relative handful of people, dedicated to the breed, unconvinced of the wisdom of the course being pursued by agriculture, and unwilling to relinquish their equine heritage, that kept the Percheron alive.

They were aided in this by the thousands of Amish farmers throughout the country who stuck with the draft horse as their source of motive power. This determination and patience was rewarded. Americans rediscovered the usefulness of the draft horse. Other Americans discovered the pleasure of working with them at a non-farm tasks. The shows welcomed them back. The growing recreation business discovered their attractiveness at ski lodges, etc. The wood lot owner looked around for a horse logger that would take out a few trees without ruining the rest. It became a combination of niche markets. This resurgence in numbers and values has been nothing short of amazing. The growth of the breed in the last ten years bears testimony to that. Registrations totaled 1,088 in 1988, ten years later that had grown to 2257. Transfers numbered 1794 in 1989 grew to 3287 in 1998. Perhaps most significantly, members grew from 2155 to 3095. This is not, as was sometimes true in the old days, a case of a few people importing and recording hundreds of horses. The ownership of the breed is in many hands for many uses.

And the sculpting goes on. In the 1930s the conventional wisdom was that the battle to the truck was lost completely and the heavy tillage on the farms was as good as lost, so a deliberate effort to downsize the breed was undertaken. Now, the appeal of the big hitches, has reversed that trend. The present demands reach in several directions at the same time. The times call for a versatile horse. At that, the Percheron has had a lot of practice. Percheron Draft Horse | The Farm At Walnut Creek in Ohio Our Animals > Percheron Draft Horse The Percheron is a breed of draft horses that originated in the Perche valley in northern France. Percherons are usually gray or black in color. They are well-muscled, and known for their intelligence and willingness to work. Although their exact origins are unknown, the ancestors of the breed were present in the valley by the 1600s. They were originally bred for use as a war horse. Over time, they began to be used for pulling stage coaches, and later for agriculture and hauling heavy goods.

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, Arabian blood was added to the breed. In the late 1800s, exports of Percherons from France to the United States and other countries rose exponentially, and in 1893 the first purely Percheron stud book was created in France. After going through various incarnations and stud books, the current US Percheron registry was created in 1934. In World War I, the breed was used extensively by the British. In the 1930s, Percherons accounted for 70% of the draft horse population in the United States, but their numbers declined substantially after World War II. However, the population began to recover, and as of 2009, around 2,500 horses are registered annually in the United States alone. Today, the breed is still used extensively for draft work, and in France they are used for food. They have been crossed with several light horse breeds, such as the Criollo, to produce horses for range work and competition.

Purebred Percherons are used for forestry work and pulling carriages, as well as under saddle work, including competition in English riding disciplines such as show jumping. Percherons generally stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands (66 to 71 inches, 168 to 180 cm) high, although the breed has an outer range of 15 and 19 hands (60 to 76 inches, 152 to 193 cm). They average around 1,900 pounds (860 kg), although the top weight is around 2,600 pounds (1,200 kg). They are generally gray or black in coloring, although the American registry also allows the registry of roan, bay and chestnut horses. The British registry only allows horses of gray or black to be registered.[2] Many horses have white markings on their heads and legs, but registries consider excessive white to be undesirable. The head has a straight profile, with a broad forehead, large eyes and small ears that reflect the breed's Arabian ancestry. The chest is deep and wide and the croup long and level.

The feet and legs are clean and well muscled. They are described as proud and alert, and intelligent, willing workers. They are considered to be easy keepers and easy to work with and train. The breed adapts well to many different conditions and climates. History The Percheron breed originated in France, taking its name from the former Perche province. Its exact origins are unknown, and several theories have been put forth as to the ancestors of the breed. Theories on the ancestors of the Percheron range from mares captured by Clovis I from the Bretons sometime after 496 AD to Arabian stallions brought to the area by Muslim invaders in the 700s. Another theory states that the breeds' ancestors were captured Moorish cavalry horses from the Battle of Poitiers in 732 AD, some of which were taken by warriors from Perche. A final theory states that the Percheron and the Boulonnais breed are closely related, and that the Boulonnais influenced the Percheron when they were brought to Brittany as reinforcements for the legions of Caesar.

It is known that during the 8th century, Arabian stallions were crossed with mares native to the area, and more Oriental horse blood was introduced by the Comte de Perche upon his return from the Crusades and expeditions into territory claimed by Spain. Blood from Spanish breeds was added when the Comte de Rotrou imported horses from Castile.[3] During the 1600s, horses from Perche, the ancestors of the current Percheron, were smaller, standing between 15 and 16 hands (60 to 64 inches, 152 to 163 cm) high, and more agile.[4] These horses were almost completely gray, with paintings and drawings from the Middle Ages almost always showing French knights on gray horses. After the days of the armored knight, the emphasis in horse breeding was shifted so as to develop horses better able to pull heavy stage coaches at a fast trot. Gray horses were preferred because their light coloring was more visible at night. This new type of horse was called the "Diligence Horse", because the stage coaches they pulled were named "diligences".

After the stage coach was replaced by rail, the modern Percheron type arose as a slightly heavier horse for use in agriculture and heavy hauling work moving goods from docks to railway terminals.[5] However, Arabian stallions were also made available to Percheron breeders for use in breeding army mounts, a practice that began in 1760 at the royal stud at Le Pin. Gallipoly and Godolphin were two of the most notable Arabian stallions used, with Gallipoly siring Jean le Blanc, a founding stallion of the Percheron breed, foaled in 1830. Today, all Percherons trace their ancestry to this stallion.[4][6] 19th century In 1893, the first Percheron stud book was created. In 1966, it was changed to include draft types from other areas of France that were closely related to the Percheron—including horses from Berrichon, Nivernais, Marne, Augeron, Bourbonnais, Loire and Saone-et-Loire.

Horses in the registry are branded on the neck with the letters "SP",[3] the initials of the Société Hippique Percheronne. Since 1911, the society has restricted registration to horses who have both parents already registered with the society.[7] By 1910, French registrations had risen to almost 32,000 horses. Between 1880 and 1920, Percheron breeders in France exported horses all over the world, including South Africa, South America, Australia and North America.[6] Percherons were first imported into the United States in 1839, with one out of four horses surviving the ocean trip. Soon after, two stallions and two mares were imported, with one mare dying soon after arrival. Although the first importations of Percherons were less than successful, one stallion, named Diligence, was credited with siring almost 400 foals.

In 1851, a stallion named Louis Napoleon was imported, and throughout his stud career had significant influence on United States draft horse stock.[3] In the mid-1800s in the United States, Percheron stallions were crossed with local mares to improve the local stock, resulting in thousands of crossbred horses.[8] The American Civil War in the 1860s significantly decreased the numbers of horses in the United States, and between this and the need for horses in both the expanding west and growing cities, there was a significant need for large draft horses following the war.[5] Because of this, large numbers of Percherons were imported to the United States beginning in the early 1870s, and they became popular with draft horse breeders and owners.[3] In the 1880s, approximately 7,500 horses were exported to the United States.[6] This extensive importation lasted until 1893, when the US experienced a financial panic, resulting in almost no Percheron importations between 1894 and 1898 and the loss of many existing horses as people were too poor to purchase or take care of large

 draft horses.

In 1898, importations began again as abruptly as they had ceased, with an average of 700 horses being imported annually between 1898 and 1905. In 1906 alone, over 13,000 horses were imported to the United States from France.[5] In the late 1800s, Percherons also began to be exported from the United States to Great Britain, where they were used to pull horse-drawn buses in large cities. The first Percherons imported to Britain included some of the thousands of crossbreds from the United States. In Britain, many of the horses, once they finished their bus-pulling career, were sold to farmers. Other imported horses were sold to the British Army, and in 1900, 325 horses were shipped to South Africa for use in the Boer War.[8] In 1876, the Norman-Percheron Association was formed by a group of Percheron breeders in Chicago, Illinois, and at the same time the stud book was begun. The Norman-Percheron Association was the United States' first purebred livestock association.

In 1877, the word "Norman" was dropped from the name, leaving it as just the Percheron Association.[9] However, in the panic of 1893, the Percheron Association went bankrupt and ceased to function.[5] In 1905, also in Chicago, Percheron breeders met again to reform as the Percheron Society of America. In 1934, the Percheron Society of America developed into the Percheron Horse Association of America, the name under which it exists today.[9] At its height, the organization was the largest draft horse association in the world, in the early 1900s registering over 10,000 horses annually.[5][10] 20th century and today The British used the Percheron extensively during World War I. Beginning in 1916, over 400 purebred Percherons were imported to Britain from France for use in the military, marking the first time that purebred Percherons were imported to Britain.

The lack of feathering on the Percheron's lower legs made them easier to care for in the mud that they often worked in during war time. Their quick trot on paved roads made them more versatile than motorized vehicles, while they were useful for work with guns and in forward units due to their calm temperaments. The British made sure their horses were well cared for—often better than the men—and their strong constitutions allowed them to more easily withstand the hardships of the war. After the war, many of the horses returned to Britain and were put to work on the country's farms. In 1918, the British Percheron Horse Society was formed, and this organization is still functioning today, working closely with other Percheron breed registries to register and promote the breed.

British breeders and owners continue to import Percherons from France, and also occasionally from Canada, although the costs make the latter prohibitively expensive.[8] By the 1930s, Percherons accounted for over 70% of the purebred draft horses in the United States, and all of the major land grant universities maintained stables of Percherons.[5] After World War II, increasing mechanization prompted a decline in the Percheron population.[4] In 1954, the lowest number of Percherons were registered, with only 85 animals being recorded with the registry.[5] As a consequence, the breed nearly went extinct until the 1960s, when the breed again became popular, and many farmers and foresters began to use them.[4] By 1988 there were 1,088 Percherons in the United States and 2,257 in 1998.[5] As of 2009, the Percheron Horse Association of America registers horses in all 50 states and has nearly 3,000 members, with around 2,500 new horses registered annually.[10

] Currently, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy considers the Percheron to be "recovering",[11] meaning that the breed has exceeded the numbers required to be in one of the "watch" categories, but still needs to be monitored.[12] Uses The Percheron is still used extensively for draft work.

Like other draft breeds, it is also used in France for meat production.[3] In Great Britain, the Percheron is used for advertising and publicity, as well as forestry and farm work. They are crossbred with lighter horses by breeders of heavy hunters in order to increase size and improve disposition.[8] Percherons are used for parades, sleigh rides and hayrides, as well as being used to pull carriages in large cities in the United States.[4] One of the most famous horse teams in the United States is the Heinz hitch of Percherons, whose appearances have included multiple showings at the Tournament of Roses Parade.[13] Purebred Percherons are also ridden, and some have proven useful at show jumping.[1] Crossbred Percherons have been used successfully in dressage.[14] In the Falkland Islands, Percherons are crossed with Criollo horses to produce horses used on the cattle ranges. In Australia, they are crossed with native horses to produce horses for competition and range work.

A Percheron mare from Australia, having pulled 3,410 pounds (1,550 kg) over 15 feet (4.6 m), holds the unofficial world pulling record. The Percheron - Horse breed, Horse breeding, types and breeds from Equiworld. [ Equiworld Horse Magazine ] The Percheron Horse The Percheron Horse originated in the area known as "Le Perche" in the north west of France. Here in 732 A.D. Arabian Horses abandoned by Moors after their defeat in the Battle of Tours were crossed with the massive Flemish stock and from this cross came the Percheron type which has endured for twelve centuries. During the Crusades, further infusion of Arab blood was made; Arab sires procured in the Holy Land were bred to the Percheron. In the early 1800's the French Government's Stud at La Pin introduced further Arab blood into the Percheron breed by covering selected mares with two outstanding Arab sires. Now all contemporary Percheron's share this common heritage descending from the foundation stock that originated in La Perche.

The Percheron Horse Society of France was founded in 1883, to safeguard the breeding of pure stock and from this small district of La Perche. Pure-bred breeding stock has been exported all over the world with each nation except U.S.S.R., having an official Breed Association to ensure the preservation of the pure-bred Percheron, and so the Percheron Horse remains genetically pure with registered animals. Introduction of the Percheron into England came about at the conclusion of the First World War. Many farmers serving with the British Forces in France became familiar with the Percheron and impressed with its docility, activity and power and ability to work both in mud and on hard surfaces. At the conclusion of activities the Percheron was imported to England as a general workhorse and large numbers were to be seen working through out the arable counties of East Anglia and the Fens in particular and they quickly spread to other parts of the country.

The formation of the British Percheron Horse Society took place in 1918 and during 1918-1922, 36 stallions and 321 mares were imported from France and the merits of this clean-legged animal were unmistakably recognised, and membership of the society grew steadily. The main aim of the Society was to encourage the breeding of a clean legged draught horse with short legs, short back, ample bone, powerful, active and quick in work with a good temper and easy to handle. During World War Two and immediately afterwards, there was a rapid increase in farm mechanisation and a consequent decline in the numbers on heavy horses seen on farms. However, a strong nucleus of Percherons remained on farms in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Co. Durham, and Hampshire. Enthusiasts have since kept the breed alive and active and now in the 90's with energy crises and oil shortages, there is a tremendous amount of interest in the breed with many new studs being started in various parts of the country.

The demand for the Percheron has been such that export sales have been made to Canada, Australia and many other parts of the world to the extent that the Percheron is now a leading breed in the world of Heavy Horses. Despite the placid nature of the Percheron, they are capable of a good showing with plenty of action when required for showing. A well-matched team of either dark dapple or light greys, properly handled, can make a very fine display. Again, their nature makes them good to handle and very popular with the public. In recent years pure bred Percheron's have performed well in Heavy Horse Driving Trials and during the "Route de Poisson" where distances of up to 17Km are covered at a trot. Percheron horses crossed with lighter breeds are known to make good riding horses for Hacking and Hunting. Anyone interested in the draught horse for commercial use would be well advised to give the Percheron serious consideration. This article and photographs were provided by the British Percheron Horse Society

Question: A Percheron is what type of animal?
Answer: Horse