History of the Percheron 

The exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over time. Some believe they are descendants of the original horses found in the Ice Age, while others believe that the Percheron is closely related to the Boulonnais horse used in the Roman invasion of Brittany. Still others believe the breed is from Abdel Rahman's Arab stallions or part of the horses used by the invading Moors at the battle of Poitiers, which were divided among the victorious French forces. The breed has served as a carriage and farm horse. It has also been used as a warhorse, and an artillery horse. It was exported to North America, South America, and Britain and was used as a working horse, and as a genetic influence on other heavy breeds. By the end of the 1800s, breeders were becoming more interested in a heavy draft horse than a carriage horse. By the middle of the 19th century, the old strains of Percheron blood had almost disappeared and the heavy mares from neighboring Brittany were brought in to mix with the last remaining old Percheron stock. The small area of La Perche focused on agriculture around this time and began breeding for the heavier Percheron again. This is the type of Percheron that is familiar today. Edward Harris of Moorestown, New Jersey first imported Percherons to the United States in 1839. The stallions, Normandy and Louis Napoleon, were imported to Ohio in 1851. Louis Napoleon was later sold into Illinois and wound up in the hands of the Dunham family who were instrumental in forming the Percheron Association. Following World War II, the invention of the modern farm tractor nearly made the breed extinct. As America modernized and mechanized, the Percheron was all but forgotten. However, a handful of farmers, including many Amish, dedicated to the preservation of the breed and kept it alive through the next twenty years of the draft horse depression.

Characteristics of the Percheron 

The Percheron is noted for its equable temperament, its intelligence, ease of handling and willingness to work. It is an elegant heavy horse due to the infusions for the Oriental-type blood throughout the centuries. Despite their great size, Percherons are active, showy and easy movers. Their stride is not as choppy as that of other heavy horses. Its action is stylish, long, free and comparatively low. In color, blacks and grays are preferred, but browns, sorrels and bays appear and are also registerable. Although a heavy horse this elegant type shows it’s Oriental ancestry in its head and facial expressions. The head should be medium sized, have a lean, clean cut and be quite broad between the eyes, with an alert pointed ear of medium size. A large, prominent eye showing plenty of spirit is desired. Percherons should have a wide, deep chest, which provides for greater lung and heart capacity. The modern Percheron often reaches 17 –18 hands with a few even taller. Mature Percherons range in weight from 1600 pounds to and in excess of 2400 pounds. There are many Percherons being raised that do not reach the top heights or weights, but are good quality and provide the breed with a wide base for genetic variation.

The Percheron Today

Today, Percherons are used in a variety of ways. The 1960's saw a renaissance in the draft horse business as Americans rediscovered its usefulness. Percherons are now back on small farms and working in the forest. Thousands of Percherons are used for recreation such as hayrides, sleigh rides and parades. Percherons are shown in competition hitching and halter classes in many US and Canadian county fairs across both countries. The light breed of Percherons are used under saddle for both English and Western riding horses and are very popular for breeding up quality for horses in the hunter and driving breeds. Overall, the Percheron is a fantastic, gentle and versatile breed.

Equine Astrology
Gemini 22 May - 21 June

Gemini is the third sign of the zodiac, and is a mutable air sign, which is ruled by the planet Mercury. The Gemini-sun horse is therefore naturally a curious, alert and versatile horse that loves learning. This horse loves to communicate and will bond with you very quickly if you take time to learn its body language and play games together on a regular basis. The Gemini-sun horse is also very fun loving, and needs the versatility of a whole array of different types of activities. In short, the Gemini-sun horse wants to be an all-rounder! A Gemini-sun horse needs to be stimulated mentally and emotionally within the partnership, and be given the opportunity to express its sense of humor in a positive manner. Otherwise it may get bored very quickly, and will then become inattentive and flighty. Like the Gemini symbol of the twins, this horse does not like being alone and naturally has two sides to its personality. This horse loves companionship and will make friends with animals of other species if it cannot have the company of horses. Occasionally couples choose to share a horse, so the Gemini-sun horse and would naturally be at ease with the idea of two human partners! As Gemini rules the chest, it is important that this horse gets as much fresh air as possible.

Next month Equine Astrology will feature Cancer!

Product Review Barn

Welcome to the Product Review Barn! Every month we will feature a product that will be accompanied by a consumer review. At the Happy Horse we all have our favorite products and we sure do like to talk about them! The P.R Barn is a place where we can showcase these items. Any item that is featured in the Barn will be offered online at a SALE PRICE! If you find a product that you  like e-mail emily at happyhorsetack.com for the online sale information. Life has never been so good!

Scoring System: 
Every rider's must have
An excellent equestrian product
Could come in handy
Takes up precious trunk space

EZ-All Total Body Wash 
Retail price: $13.00 32oz trial size w/applicator or $30.00 1 gallon bottle

Odds & Ends

Upcoming Activities * June 20th-22nd Greg Best Clinic Held at Colorado State University Contact the University for more information * June 24th-26th Abbe Ranch Horse Trials Larkspur, CO Please contact Susan Robinson Farmer for more information at 303-753-2577 or e-mail her at abbe@quixnet.net  * June 30th-July 3rd Lars Peterson Clinic Series Phantom Hill Farm Fort Collins, Colorado (970)225-1408 or phfdressage@msn.com for more information Other clinic dates: August 25th-28th

Debbie Goldring

A lovely horse is always an experience... It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words. ~ Beryl Markham 

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