Percheron

The Percheron is an equine race , probably appeared towards VIIIe century in an area located at the south of the Normandy around Mortagne-with-Pole (Orne) and of Nogent-le-Rotrou (Eure-et-Loir), with the borders of the departments of the Orne, of the the Eure, Eure-et-Loir, Loir-et-Cher and the the Sarthe.

The Percheron is a Cheval of big size, height to the garrot of 1,65 to 1,85 m and whose adult weight can reach from 900 to 1200 kg. The dress is gray, often dappled, black or white. The body is compact and muscular, with strong legs, but also a great elegance which it would owe with crossings with Arab horses about the 7th century.

Its origin would go up with 732, after the Bataille of Poitiers when part of the seized Arab cavalry with Vouillé was distributed between the winners originating in the Pole, Normandy and Orléannais.

Powerful draft horse, the Percheron is able to draw from heavy loads to the step. It is flexible and easy to operate. It can be used as well for the agricultural work or foresters as for the attachment and the fast feature.

The stud-book (genealogical register) Percheron was open in 1883, at the same time as was created the horse company percheronne. The standard of the race has distinguished for a few years two specialized types:

  • the feature Percheron, of big size (more than 1,64 m) and of higher weight (superior to 700 kg), intended for the heavy feature;
  • the diligencier Percheron, of big size but lighter and more removed in its medium, intended for the attachment.

The Percheron is the most widespread the draft horse in the world. One finds it in particular with the the United States where it was exported as of the middle of the 19th century and in Japan where it is necessary for very popular races on the island of Hokkaïdo during which it must tractor draw very heavy loads.

Standard of the race percheronne

  • Head: fine; broad face and square

  • Ears: fines and long
  • Neck: long and coiled
  • Back: right and runs
  • Croupe: long, right and slightly split
  • Tail: high, in the prolongation of the kidneys
  • Members: lights and Nets, well of balance
  • Pasterns: lights and strong
  • Color: gray or black
  • average Weight: 900 kg
  • Intermediate size: 1,66 m
  • Pace S: flexible and light

See too

External bond

Horse company percheronne of France, official site

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