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Originating in the Perche Valley in Northern France, the Percheron is one of the most strikingly beautiful of the modern large Draft breeds. Having been used for everything from Medevil "Warhorses", to "Workhorses" that plowed fields in the 1800's, to today's modern "Team Driving" events, these horses have made a name for themselves as not only agile and strong, but also gentle and very kind.

Most Percherons stand at a strong 16.1 to 17.3 hands tall, though the breed registry recognizes horses ranging in size from 15 to 19 hands. They are typically Black or a dazzling dappled Grey color, though they can be seen in Bay, Chestnut, and Sorrel (though most US breed registries require DNA testing to confirm their parentage before registering them if they are one of these three unusual colors). Noted for their thick manes and tales, broad, straight heads, thick necks and heavy muscling, these horses are hard to miss in a crowd!

In terms of their temperament and usage, Percherons are very strong, proud and intelligent horses that can be used for everything from driving to therapy horses for the disabled. They typically adapt well to all temperatures and climates, and are generally "easy keepers"...other than their need for extra food!

I have personally seen Percherons Crosses (Percheron-TB, Percheron-Trakener, Percheron-Arabian, etc.) that have done well in events ranging from Dressage and Jumping to Open Western Pleasure. These horses are very versatile and their offspring, when crossed with other breeds tend to be well proportioned, strong and athletic.

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