Percheron History

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History of the Percheron

    I have done much reading on the origin of the Percheron horse, and one thing is certain, you can tell whether the writer of the article is familiar with the Percheron breed or not by the number of misconceptions in the article. One misconception is that the Percheron is the smallest of the draft breeds. The four draft breeds (Percheron, Belgian, Shire and Clydesdale) generally compare in size, however, you will find that the Belgian and Clydes have larger feet. Interestingly enough, the tallest horse on record presently is a Percheron named Goliath at 19.1 hh. I find that the most accurate information comes from an article in the Percheron Horse Association of America and you may find more extensive information at www.percheronhorse.org.
    One thing seems consistent in the research of the Percheron and that is the lack of documentation of the race, possibly due to its ancient origin. We know that the Percheron was derived in the southwest region of La Perche, France. It is believed that this horse was created for war, sturdy enough to carry a French knight with his medieval weaponry, but also beautiful and graceful. When the need for war horse passed, the French kings desired a horse that possessed the grace and stamina to pull the royal carriages throughout the day to any royal function. The Percherons light grey and white color were preferred for better visibility at night. The royal coaches were called diligences, hence the French word Diligence horses.
    The introduction of the Percheron breed to the United States came during the post Civil-War era, as American horse stock had nearly been depleted. America was anxious for growth and the west beckoned to be settled. The Percheron was just what the country needed. Again, strength and stamina was required but also the gentle temperament admired by the farmer.
    The breeders of La Perche were expert in changing the characteristics of the Percheron according to demand. In the great depression of the 1930's, interest rose again in the draft horse industry as gasoline was expensive but freight still needed to be delivered. These animals hauled everything from lumber to ammunition, or beer to salted pork. They were the semi's of old, if you will. Census shows that in the 30's, the Percheron was America's favorite draft horse (over 70% of purebred draft horses were Percherons).
    The times of the Percheron have dwindled and rekindled and thanks to the more appreciative of the breed, the Percheron remains America's favorite draft horse, the number of registrations can attest to that. Even today's recreation hears the call of the Percheron's legacy and they can be seen logging, pulling sleighs at resorts or pulling an elegant wedding carriage with all the grace and beauty they were created for. We hope you can all be lucky enough, as we have, to have the opportunity to experience the wonderful qualities of the Percheron.