COMMON HORSE BREEDS
| PERCHERON
Origin: |
 Photo supplied by the Percheron Horse Breeders Association Inc.- QLD © |
History:
The Percheron originated in La Perche, in the south of the Normandy,
France. It is believed that Arabian horses imported to France from 732 onwards are among
the ancestors of the Percheron. In the 18th century Arab stallions at the Royal Stud at Le
Pin where available to Percheron breeders to up-grade their stock. The Arabian influence
can be seen in the breeds excellent movement. From the end of the 19th to the early 20th
century the Percheron was in great demand world wide. Its enormous strength, courage and
longevity made it popular as carriage horse, war horse and farm horse.
French breeders exported large numbers of Percherons to England, North and South America
and Australia where they helped to improve other heavy breeds. The horse was very popular
in North America where it worked in the railways. The Percheron adapts very well to any
climate change.
The stallion Dr Le Gear, foaled in 1902, was one of the tallest Percheron horses on
record, standing at 21hh or 2.134m (7 feet) at the withers. He weight about 1,370kg
(27cwt).
Characteristics:
elegant, well proportioned
Head: fine head; straight profile; broad, square forehead;
alert eyes; fine, long ears; flat, straight nose; wide open nostrils
Neck: long, arched; thin throat
Shoulders: sloping with prominent withers
Body: broad deep chest; prominent sternum; short, straight
back and loins; great depth through the girth; well sprung ribs; long, sloping
hindquarters
Legs: clean, sound limbs; prominent, powerful forearms; long
muscular thighs; large knees and hocks; small, strong fetlock joints
Feet: good, strong
Mane: fairly thick
Color: grey or black
Height: 15.2 to 17hh, average 16.1hh
Temperament: good natured, obedient
Qualities: excellent movement; free moving paces; long, low
action; enormous strength; courageous; longevity; adaptable
| Today: The Percheron is a good natured horse that goes well under the saddle and in harness. The breed is so obedient that it can be trained to work in a very short time.
Photo supplied by the Percheron Horse Breeders Association Inc.- QLD © |
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