Origins

The Percheron breed was developed in France's old and fertile district of "Le Perche". Here the massive Flemish horse was crossed with horses of Arab type, which the defeated Saracens abandoned following the Battle of Tours in 732 A.D. The famous stallion, Jean le Blanc, is the fountain-head of today's Percheron breed. A powerful, courageous and beautiful creature, he remained sound in wind and limb until 1855, when he died at thirty-two years of age.

In the early 1800's the Percheron was known for its speed, strength and endurance. It was held in esteem for stage coach purposes. Grey horses were favoured, for they could be seen at night. The transformation of the Percheron breed from a diligence to a draft horse began around 1830, when railroads replaced the heavy, horse drawn stages in Europe.

The Percheron Horse Society of France was founded in 1883, to safeguard the breeding of pure stock and from this small district of Le Perche. Pure-bred breeding stock has been exported all over the world with each nation having an official Breed Association to ensure the preservation of the pure-bred Percheron, and so the Percheron Horse remains genetically pure with registered animals.

Percherons in Australia

It is believed that the first Percherons were shipped to Australia in the very early 1800's, with a shipment of Merino sheep owned by John MacArthur (1767-1834). Percherons were also said to have arrived in Australia with Canadian Exiles (political rebels) in the early 1840's who came here as a result of the French Canadian opposition to the British rule in Canada.

According to newspaper articles I found, the first recorded Percherons imported to Australia arrived on the steamship 'Gulf of Carpentaria' on 27 August 1883. The four Norman horses, a roan named "Mustapha", a black named "L'Africaine", a chestnut named "Bayard", and a grey named "Figaro" were imported by a Mr W. Learmonth of New Hall, Essedon who went home specially to secure them. All four horses were registered with the Percheron Horse Society of France which was also founded in 1883.

The term "Norman" horse was originally applied to draught horses brought from France to England however the term was discarded in the late 1890's and the term "Percheron" was adopted. The Percheron name had been restricted to horses which came from the district known as Le Perche, south-west of Paris, France.

Imports to Australia

Under Construction

Characteristics



The Percheron draught horse is one of the most elegant of the draught breeds, with a fine head, arched neck and long stride.

They normally range in size from 1.55 to 1.85m at the withers (15.1 to 18.1hh), although the biggest horse ever registered was a Percheron - Dr Le Gear, foaled in 1902, who stood 21.1hh and weighed over 1,300kg.

There are three types of Percheron, the Postier or Postman which is a small, light and dynamic horse mostly suited to saddle (155 to 165cm; 600-800kg). The Diligencias or Carriage Horse which is a taller, light horse with beautiful movement more suited to carriage work (165 to 180cm; 800-1000kg) and lastly, the Trait which is the heavier of the three types, which was used mostly for agricultural work (165 to 180cm; 800-1200kg).

The original Postier died out after World War II however, there is currently a move in France to bring back the Postier. It is believed that most of the smaller Australian Percherons are very similar to the original French Postier.

Colour

Percherons are generally black or gray. Some registries only accept those two colors, though chestnut, and bay colors are acceptable for registration in the US with a DNA test confirming their parentage. Some Percherons have white markings on the head and feet, but excessive white is undesirable. In Australia, the Australian Percheron Breeders Association of Australia recognises two colours, grey and black but also has a studbook for chestnuts.

Temperament

It is not only very versatile (sturdy, used on the farm or for driving, amongst others), but is also very quiet in terms of temperament. With its lively and high gait, it stands out from the other draught horse breeds.

The Percheron is one of the best natured of any of the horse breeds, and although very placid, they are far from lazy. They are noted for their equable temperament, intelligence, ease of handling and willingness to work.

The QLD, NSW, VIC and SA Police Service also use Percherons crosses in their mounted units because of their excellent type, class action, ability and exceptional temperament and acceptance of work within the Police Units.