Percheron Horse - Breed Profile, Traits, Facts, Care

(Last Updated On: October 8, 2021)

Percheron horse is among the gentle giants of the horse world. Once a warhorse and then a mighty draft horse, underneath today’s Percheron stuff and loudly comfortable.

Percheron horse is competitive in horse-drawn circuits, where horse teams match up against weight gain. Accordingly, they are often crossed with light horse breeds, such as the sarbrides, to create a sporting type of riding horse.

Percherons are a versatile draft breed that originated in France and make excellent riding horses as well as wagon and carriage pullers. Percherons have a calm disposition and are keen and eager learners.

Percherons are popular among riders who like big horses because of their flexibility and willingness. Percherons may be saddled in either Western or English saddles and have a fascinating presence in the dressage ring. A stable Percheron horse may be a confidence-building ride for the fearful rider.

Percherons range in price from $2,000 to $10,000 on average. However, the price of a horse is affected by its breeding, training, and show record.

While a Clydesdale is somewhat lighter than a Percheron in terms of weight, they are typically taller. Clydesdale breeders prefer white markings, whilst Percherons prefer solid coats.

The Percheron head and neck have a draft horse-like conformation. Percherons with a wide and broad forehead, a straight face, and a full, prominent eye will fulfill the breed standard. They also have powerful jaws and sophisticated ears that are very active, reflecting the owner’s present emotional condition.

Percheron horse overview

Weight: 1,800 to 2,600 pounds

Height: 15 hands (60 inches) to 19 hands (76 inches)

Body Type: Muscle Build; Wide, flat forehead; Small, erect ears; Arched neck

Best for: Owners and drivers of all levels comfortable with big horses

Life expectancy: 25 to 30 years

Percheron horse History and Origins

The Percheron breed originated in the province of Parche, in the Normandy region of France. Although there are different theories, not much is known about the origin of the caste.

Many experts believe that the oldest Percheron horse could cross between the Moose’s Hardy Barbecue Horse and the large Flemish draft breed.

Arabian bloodlines were eventually introduced to combine athleticism and refinement.

In the 1800s, the French government extended more breeds to use as equestrian horses. The national breeding firm, Le Pin, still breeds a number of horse breeds of French origin, along with a Percheron horse.

The first Percheron came to the United States in the mid-1800s, and in the early 1900s Percheron was the most popular draft horse breed in the United States, but like many other heavy-working horses, Percheron horse numbers were reduced to horsepower.

Percheron horse Size

Percheron horses stand on an average of 15 hands (60 inches) to 19 hands (76 inches) and weigh 1,800 to 2,600 pounds.

In the United States, they are usually 16 to 17 hands (64৪ to 68 68 inches), but depending on the Percheron horse bloodline in France, it can be somewhat smaller or larger.

Percheron horse Breeding and Use

Originally born as a warhorse, Percheron is today seen mostly in cars, sleighs, and hayrides. Their power and stamina make it ideal for logging and use at firms.

Riders who like big horses often choose the Percheron horse for their desire and adaptability.

A Percheron horse can be driven with Western or English saddles, and they have a captivating presence in the dressage ring. For the daring equestrian, a steady Percheron horse can be a confidence-boosting journey.

Colors and Marks

Percheron horse can be black, gray, chestnut, bay, rowan, or sorrel. The Percheron horse of the French variety is blackened and turned gray as it turns.

No other colors are allowed in the registry. While white marking is allowed, additional white markings are identified.

The unique feature of a Percheron horse

Percheron horse lacks the heavy leg feathers of Slidesdale and some other draft species, but their legs are significant in the muscles. Also, their men and tails can be very dense and are often furry.

Furthermore, percussionists are somewhat more vigorous than some of their draft horse relatives. They are valued for their strong, proud posture, as well as their intelligence and enthusiasm to please.

Also, their stamina is a legend. In the 1800s, breed enthusiasts saw the horse’s ability to travel about 40 miles a day on horseback trot.

Diet and Nutrition

A percussion usually eats more than the average size horse. It can easily pass through 30 pounds of quality straw and 5 pounds of grain a day.

Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary, especially if horses cannot graze on pasture.

General health and behavioral problems

Percheron horse is usually the least behavioral problem horse, although they are at risk for some health problems.

Like other heavy-horse breeds, some percussion can develop equine polysaccharide storage myopathy.

With this disease, the muscles cannot properly store glucose and the muscle tissue is damaged. It is not curable, but it can be managed with diet and exercise.

A young Percheron horse can also develop osteochondritis dissection, a painful joint condition that causes cracks in the cartilage and bone. This is often caused by rapid growth and activity.

Grooming

A good grooming routine is important for Percheron horses. Especially when they are in cool weather, their coats can get very heavy and thick.

Thus, regular decoration must be done to remove dirt, debris, garbage, and loose fur.

Furthermore, the fur around the horse’s legs is known to attract bacteria, which can cause skin inflammation and infection. It is essential to keep the area well-hygienic, clean, and dry.

Pros

Interested
Strong moral work
Friendly

Cons

The size can be scary for some drivers
A few health problems are at stake

Champion and Celebrity Percheron horse

Built in 1823, a horse named Jean Le Blanc is considered one of the founders of the modern Percheron horse breed. Today all Perron can find their blood near their horses.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Armor Packing Company used to supply products for yellow-colored wagons, painted by gray Percheron horses.

Armour’s horses also competed in the driving ring against the then top horse. And a circus show featured the Armor team as the title attraction.

Also in the 1800s, Pabst Brewery used nail art to reinforce its pens and serve beer in Chicago. The Pabst family has bred its own Percheron horse and even competed with them at the 9th World’s Fair.

In the 1980s, the hinges hitch was created to honor the honor of a horse-drawn delivery.

With eight black Percheron horses, the hitchhiker was a popular attraction in the United States parades and exhibitions After retiring in 2007, Heinz Percherons was donated to the Army for official use.

Percheron horse is right for you?

Due to their inherent nature, Percheron horses can be good horses for elementary riders, many of whom may need mounting blocks for climbing.

Sweet, tolerant, and straightforward, these glorious horses are ideal for those who do not have the experience of owning a horse that many other breeds need.

They are known as simple keepers that are able to adapt to different climates and conditions.
How to take or purchase a Percheron horse.

Pastures range from $ 1000 to $ 10,000; Prices vary depending on the age of the horse, the level of training, and the breed.

When looking for a horse to make or buy, aim to meet with a rescuer or breeder before making a commitment. Note its behavior, and if possible ask to demonstrate its level of training.

For breeders, make sure you get documentation of the horse’s breed and its health history. If it is not provided you are not dealing with a quality breeder.

Likewise, ask a rescue company to provide as much information as possible about the horse’s history, health, and mood. If you are not comfortable with the answers, you can look for another horse.

Percheron Horse – Breed Profile, Traits, Facts, Care