Assorted sizes and styles in draft horse harness including leather, biopene and nylon styles.
Draft Horse (Draught) Percheron
Author: Michael Russell
Although the exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over
the years, there are several different beliefs about their
roots. There are those who believe that this large draft horse
is descended from the original horses of the Ice Age. Still
others think that it's closely related to the Boulonnais horse
that the Romans used to invade Brittany. And a third group
maintains that the horse is from a herd of Arabians, or some of
the horses used by the Moors during the battle of Poitiers.
Whatever one chooses to believe, the consensus among all is that
the Percheron can be traced to Normandy at an area called La
Perche. Once again, a draft breed has at its roots the
Belgian-Flemish blood.
While modern-day Percherons are notable for their heavy draft
work, during the 8th century the heavier native and cob stock
were crossbred with Arabians and other Oriental horses. The
Percheron produced by this breeding made the horses more
suitable for riding and lighter draft work. As time passed, the
use of a Percheron as a carriage horse developed into the more
practical need as a heavier draft animal. The smaller-boned
breed of the late 1800s was crossed with the heavier mares of
Brittany, resulting in the stockier Percheron that is most
familiar today.
Description and Conformation
The preferred Percherons are black or grey but browns, sorrels,
and bays are acceptable for registration. Due to the
Oriental-type blood throughout their history, while a heavy
horse, the elegance of the heritage shows. The Percheron is not
as choppy in its movements as other heavy draft horses tend to
be. The head is ideally medium sized, has a lean, clean cut, and
a broad width between the eyes. While the chest is deep and
wide, the shoulders of the Percheron should not stand out
prominently, as they tend to do on other drafts. The back is
straight and strong in proportion to the neck length and
shoulder height.
Today's average Percheron measures 17 to 18 hands (68 to 72 in.,
or 173 to 183 cm.) at the shoulder. Mature Percherons can weigh
from 1600 pounds (113.6 stones) up to, and in excess of, 2400
pounds (170.4 stones).
This breed of draft horse has been acclaimed as being very
adaptable in any environment And it is characterized by a long
smooth stride which shows determination and willingness. It is
also known for its intelligence, affable temperament,
willingness to work, and reputation for ease of handling.
About the author:
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Horses
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