Percheron Horse Breed 

Country of Origin: The Percheron horse comes from La Perche district of Northern France. 

Blood Type: The Percheron horse breed is in the coldblood group. 

History: The Percheron is an old breed and its exact roots are not known. A similar type of horse is recorded as being in the La Perche area as far back as the Ice Age. Arabians were imported to the area and likely crossed with these native horses. This gives the elegance and free movement to the Percheron horses. The Percheron horse has been a warhorse, a carriage horse, a riding horse, and a draft horse.

They have been used to improve other breeds over the centuries and were once in demand worldwide.  

Height: The Percheron is a massive animal and stands 15.2 to 17HH. The tallest horse on record was a Percheron named Dr Le Gear who stood 21HH. 

Colors: The Percheron is usually black or gray. 

Description: The Percheron has a relatively fine head for such a large horse with a straight profile; long, fine ears; large, alert eyes; an arched neck set on sloping shoulders and prominent withers; a deep chest; a short, strong backs, and muscular loins and hindquarters. Their legs are short with minimal feathering, and very muscular and strong.

Temperament: The Percheron is docile and good natured.  

Uses: The Percheron is great in harness and goes equally well under saddle. They are still used today to improve other breeds.