Percheron Horse

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 at the withers. He weight about 1,370kg .