The Percheron is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in western France, part of the former Perche province from which the breed takes its name. Usually gray or black in color, Percherons are well muscled, and known for their intelligence and willingness to work. Although their exact origins are unknown, the ancestors of the breed were present in the valley by the 17th century. They were originally bred for use as war horses. Over time, they began to be used for pulling stagecoaches and later for agriculture and hauling heavy goods. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Arabian blood was added to the breed. Exports of Percherons from France to the United States and other countries rose exponentially in the late 19th century, and the first purely Percheron stud book was created in France in 1883.

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Fig. 112. - Prince-Albert, étalon Suffolk (1). 

From Paul Diffloth, 1904, Zootechnie, Paris.

Baron Ian.  Two-year-old Clydesdale stallion. First in class and reserve champion. Glasgow Show, May, 1900. Sire Baron’s Pride.

The Farmer’s Advocate. June 10, 1909.  [x]

Source: The New Book of the Horse by Charles Richardson, Hunting Editor of “The Field.”  1911.

I was born about three generations too late.

Vladimir Heavy Drafts in harness

Bertha and Beth enjoying some turnout.

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Ploughing with Heavy Horses in Zeeland, The Netherlands 

This could be paradise

Pay Per View (AKA High Calibre Pay Per View)

By Pleasant View King

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Born 2007

Maple Grove’s Gamblers Ace

Windsong’s Gambler x W.V. Mariah

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17.2hh

Born 2001

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Jovian

Irish Draught, Gelding

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Renard de Beaufort

By Géranium

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The 9 french draft horse breeds

Meet Harley! Owned by Monnie Goetz, he is a young approx. 6 year old hardship registered Sugarbush gelding! Those thoroughbreds have no power to push him around.

Monnie and Harley are a racetrack “pony” team – they take the sometimes hot and feisty thoroughbreds to the starting gate and make sure everyone gets there in one piece.

Photography © Morgan Reeves of Raw Project Photography

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