The Rugged Percheron Horse

The Percheron hails from the Perche valley of northern France. These horses are powerful draft horses. The origins of this horse are unclear but some of its history is known. The ancestors of this horse were bred with the forest horses hailing from Europe. They were commonly used as war horses. Once war became more advanced these horses were used for pulling heavy carriages and plows. They were also used on farms as all purpose workhorses. They are versatile and hardworking. They now serve as workhorses, carriage horses and pleasure riding horses.

These horses often compete in equestrian shows. They can compete in regular horse shows and draft horse shows. They are rugged and muscular, with short cropped tails and thick, flowing manes. The forehead is broad, the eye is wide and intelligent. These horses carry the bulk of the average draft horse but also carry themselves in an elegant way. They love to work and are gentle and smart. They respond well to firm yet gentle training and are happy to work hard for their owners. They can adapt to a variety of climates and are hardy, durable animals.

The coat color of this horse is usually gray or black. Depending on the registry these may be the only two colors accepted. Some registries accept coat colors such as bay, chestnut and sorrel. There may be small white markings on the feet and head, although an excessive amount of white is discouraged. When it comes to height, these horses range from 15 to 19 hands. Their average weight is around 2,000 pounds. These horses are long lived and can reach lifespans of 35 years with the oldest unverified horse said to be 41.

If you are in the market for a good draft horse, the Percheron should be on your list. Maybe you want to breed these strong, beautiful horses. If so, you should visit a variety of different breeders and view their stallions and mares before making a decision. If you are unskilled in horse buying, there are books that can help you. Check out the following titles on this subject: Buying Your First Horse: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing For, Finding and Purchasing a Great Horse by Mary Guay and Buying a Horse by Peter Gravy. You will also find plenty of material about breeding horses as well, if that is your goal.

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