Percheron Horses for sale

The French Percheron horse is one of the world’s most influential draught horse breeds. Combining great strength with agility and beauty, the Percheron has developed over centuries into a horse with a devoted following across the world. Due to its immense popularity, different types have emerged, such as the British Percheron. For those considering a horse for a working farm or large smallholding, deciding to buy a Percheron is a good option. Clean-legged Percherons move swiftly and efficiently over the land, ploughing, harrowing and performing all the other tasks required of a first-rate farm horse. Breed societies exist across the globe, and so locating a specialist breeder to sell a Percheron is possible in many English-speaking as well as French-speaking countries, and they are often able to provide some draught horse training as well.

Origin and history of breeding Percheron horses

The history of the Percheron horse centres on the area of Le Perche in southern Normandy. The region was long famous for several breeds of horse, including the influential Norman cob. Various stories exist about the origin of the Percheron, although many of them are undocumented and difficult to confirm. Several tales relate to the influence of the Arab horse on the breed, beginning in the 9th century with the campaigns of Charles Martel against Moorish cavalry. He is said to have captured many horses and used them for breeding. In later medieval times, the Compte de Perche is believed to have brought back horses from campaigning in Spain. Certainly, the noble, alert head of the Percheron horse suggests Spanish and Barb ancestry. However, the influence of the Arab horse on the breed can only be traced with certainty to the 18th century, when the Royal Stud at Le Pin permitted Arab stallions to be made available to the owners of mares of Percheron type. This is often quoted as the origin of the striking grey colour in Percherons. Some English Thoroughbred stallions were also used. At this time, the Percheron was not primarily a draught horse, but more of a riding and carriage horse type, and the first imports to the USA took place in 1839. In 1883, some French farmers, devotees of the breed, created the first studbook to represent the type of Percheron that is known today.

Percheron horses in equestrianism

Although the need for working horses has diminished, Percherons still rate very highly amongst the people continuing to use draught horses in their everyday lives, such as the Amish. The Percheron also makes an excellent cross for the creation of sport horses and strong, reliable all-round riding and harness horses.

Use and characteristics of the Percheron

The Percheron, like many other draught horse breeds, has increased in size over time and today the breed generally stands around 16 hands 1 inch high (65 inches/165 cm). Permitted colours are grey or black. When researching the breed in order to buy a Percheron, it will be clear that there is some variation in breed standards between different countries. Percherons are noted for their courage, strength and soundness, as well as a certain spiritedness that makes them engage very actively in their work. Experienced breeders who sell a Percheron will produce animals with compact conformation and strong legs with flat, dense bone, as well as very healthy feet. Although they have increased in size, they have maintained a low centre of gravity which is ideal for agricultural work. Today, Percherons can be found working in all areas of agriculture and horticulture, including viniculture, tree nurseries and forestry.

Interior of Percheron

Percheron horses are a unique breed of equine known for their athleticism, intelligence and incredibly gentle temperaments. Beneath all of this beauty lies an interior full of heart and courage. Percherons have even dispositions that make them wonderful partners for dressage riders or those looking for a dependable trail mount. Additionally, they possess great stamina - often able to cover long distances in a single day - as well as being very agile despite their overall bulkiness! All in all, it’s no surprise why Percheron horses are so beloved by many: not only do they have admirable looks but they are also equipped with plenty of courage and enthusiasm - giving any rider an amazing experience each time they get into the saddle!

Exterior of Percheron

Percheron horses are a unique breed of equine known for their majestic appearance, intelligence, and gentle temperaments. Typically, they stand between 15 to 17 hands tall and have strong bodies with broad chests and powerful hindquarters. This gives them impressive strength that is perfect for hard labor such as pulling carts or wagons! Their exterior is characterized by its long neck, straight profile, alert eyes, long legs and an overall muscular build that helps to distinguish it from other breeds. The Percheron also stands out due to its unique colouring – which can vary greatly depending on the horse itself but ranges from light grays to silvery-blacks. In terms of the breed's exterior beauty and presence, one could say that all of these physical attributes contribute to a truly majestic creature - one that is capable of inspiring awe in both experienced riders and first-time admirers alike. The Percheron also has an extraordinary mane and tail that adds even more character to its look - making any onlookers take notice of how impressive these animals really are! With this in mind – it’s no surprise why people often comment on the regal presence of a Percheron horse whenever they come into contact with this majestic breed.

History of Percheron

The Percheron is a unique breed of horse that has its roots in the harsh, rugged terrain of Northwestern France. Dating back to the 12th century, these impressive animals were initially used as war horses by knights in battle – and eventually began to be bred for their strength, agility, and beauty. Throughout the years, the Percheron's incredible physique and athleticism evolved – leading them to become increasingly popular for farm work. As a result, by the 17th century, these horses had been exported all around Europe where they quickly became prized for their strength when pulling heavy carts or wagons full of goods! By the late 19th century, Percheron horses had become even more popular - with these majestic creatures being employed by breweries, farmers and even stagecoach companies all around America. During this time, they also gained fame thanks to various competitions such as plowing shows and horse pulls; displaying just how strong and powerful the breed could be! Today, Percherons are still praised for their versatility and can be found thriving in any number of roles - from providing leisure rides to being used as a reliable partner in dressage competitions. The fact that such an ancient breed continues to thrive today speaks volumes about its rich history - making it one of the most beloved equine breeds in existence!