"The Percheron Breed" from of The Canadian Percheron Association The Percheron Horse originated in the small district of La Perche in northwestern France. Here the Arabian horses, abandoned by the defeated Moors at the Battle of Tours, in 732 A. D., were crossed with the massive Flemish stock, native to the rich, fertile province of Flanders. From this cross came the Percheron type, which has endured for twelve centuries. Further infusions of Arab blood were made during the era of the Crusades. Noblemen from La Perche returned home with Arab sires procured in the Holy Land, and bred them to the Percherons of the time. In the early 1800’s the French government stud at le Pin introduced further Arabian blood into the Percheron breed, by mating selected mares with two of the outstanding Arab sires then obtainable in Europe. All contemporary Percherons share this common heritage, descending from the small genetic reservoir of foundation stock which thus originated in La Perche. The Percheron horse is essentially a draft horse, massive, deep, short in his coupling, heavily muscled, strong in his topline, rugged and straight in his bone, and large in his feed. He must be neat in his head and neck, and well balanced throughout. There must be the unmistakable evidence of quality in general, and particularly in his feet and legs. Style and symmetry are a must, for they not only add beauty in form, but suggest the willing, courageous temperament, plus the high degree of intelligence, for which the breed is noted. In color, only deep blacks with attractive stars and rich dapple greys are desired. Only on rare occasions are sorrels and bays seen. Action is the essence of the Percheron. His walk is characterized by a long, aggressive, smooth and true stride that shows determination and willingness. All points should flex adequately, the hocks must be kept well together and under control, while the foot should be picked up with a reasonable degree of snap, carried forward in a straight line, and then placed squarely on the ground. Action at the trot should show a practical flexibility in the joints, and the proper length, aggressiveness, trueness, and smoothness of stride that is characteristic of efficiency. There should be no wasted action such as “padding” or “interfering”. Today the Percheron is known throughout the world as the leading breed of draught horse. In spite of the menace of mechanization and automation, the Percheron has survived, and presently shows sign of increasing popularity and number. He still plays an important role in many small farms across Canada, he is a vital part of Canada’s pulp and paper industry, he is reappearing on many large Western ranches, and he lends himself, by virtue of disposition, to the advance of the P.M.U. industry. For sleigh rides, hay rides, the circus, and for show he has no peer, and it is in this realm that the Percheron is finding many new friends. CHARACTERICTICS OF THE PERCHERON HORSE 1. General The Canadian Percheron Horse is essentially a heavy draught horse possessing great muscular development combined with style and activity. It should possess ample bone of good quality, and give a general impression of balance, beauty and power. 2. Color Grey or black, with a minimum of white. Skin and coat should be of fine quality and texture. 3. Size Stallions should not be less than 16 hands and 3inches in height and mares not less than 16 hands 1 inch, but depth and width must not be sacrificed to height, at maturity. 4. Head Wide between the eyes, which should be full, docile, yet alert; ears medium in size and erect; deep cheek, curved on lower side, not long from eye to nose; intelligent expression. 5. Body Strong neck, not short, full arched crest in case of stallions; side chest, deep well-laid shoulders; back strong and short; ribs wide and deep, deep at flank; hind quarters of exceptional width and long from hips to tail, avoiding any suggestion of a goose rump. 6. Limbs Strong arms and full second thighs, big knees, and broad nocks; heavy flat bone, short cannons, pasterns of medium length, feet open and of good size, of good quality hard blue horn. Limbs as clean and free from hair as possible. 7. Action Typical of the breed, straight, bold, with a long free stride rather than short snappy action. Hocks well flexed and kept close. 8. Average weight Stallions – 1950 to 2150 pounds. Mares – 1800 to 2000 pounds. 9. Temperament Kind and docile, with intelligent alertness and animated spirit. |
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| The New Brunswick Percheron Association |
