Percheron Horse Breed: The Original War Horse

The Percheron horse breed has a fascinating history, evolving from a sought-after war horse to a valuable farm horse. Known for their power and grace, Percherons stand out as one of the most versatile breeds. Initially used by French knights, Percherons later played a crucial role in World War I by pulling military vehicles.

Over time, these animals shifted from military duties to hauling heavy goods, pulling carriages, and assisting with agricultural work. With their stunning appearance, remarkable strength, and gentle temperament, Percherons have become popular not only in France but across the globe. 

Let’s explore the details of the Percheron breed.

What is a Percheron Horse?

The Percheron breed is characterised as being very large, strong, and intelligent. These horses, with their distinctive appearance, have a long history. The Percheron breed is a unique blend of Arabian elegance combined with the robust strength of a draft horse, making it a very useful animal.

Percheron Horse Origin

The Percheron horse originated in France’s Perche province, now part of the Huisne River Valley. The French National Stud Farm Du Pin, built by Louis XV, chose the Percheron breed as one of their staples. Originally bred for cavalry, Percherons have been part of the National Stud Farm since the late 1600s.

Percheron horses are said to have been bred from Arabian stallions and mares from the Perche region. Several theories also include oriental blood in these first Percherons.

A significant moment in the Percheron breeding history was the birth of Jean Le Blanc in 1823. This stallion is considered the ancestor of all modern-day Percherons. Over time, selective breeding enhanced the breed’s strength and endurance, cementing its place as one of the most notable draft horse breeds in the world.

Percheron Horse Facts

Here are some interesting Percheron horse facts:

• Origin: Huisne River Valley, France
• Colour: Born black, they may remain black or transition to a dappled grey, eventually turning whiter with age.
• Size: Known for their large, muscular build
• Temperament: Intelligent and hard-working
• Uses: Warhorses, agricultural work, carriage pulling, and more
• Quote: Sidney Galtry famously mentioned Percherons as the most successful horse of the animals of WW1.
• Historical link: The Haras National du Pin, which enjoys support from the French government, still has a herd of Percherons.
• Appearance: Strong legs, broad hocks, arched crest, wide chest, and deep well-laid shoulders with great muscular development
• Official organisations: The Percheron Association with American-bred Percheron stallions, and the  British Percheron Horse Society with the British Percheron. Both maintain stud book records that ensure good-quality breed standards.
• Other names: Coach horse or Diligence horse, named for a type of passenger stage coach

Percheron Horse Size

Percheron horses are enormous; in fact, they are among the largest horse breeds in the world. Notably, in 1915, the famous Percheron, Dr Le Gear, was named the world’s largest horse, standing a massive 21 hands high (7 feet) and weighing 2,996 lbs. 

But just how big are Percheron horses on average?

How tall are Percheron horses?

Percherons often stand between 16 and 19 hands tall, approximately 64 to 76 inches. This impressive height makes them one of the tallest horse breeds.

How much does a Percheron horse weigh?

The average weight of a Percheron horse ranges from 1,600 to 2,600 lbs. Some Percherons can weigh even more, depending on factors like diet and exercise.

Despite their intimidating size and being among the strongest horse breeds, these good-natured horses are surprisingly gentle.

Percheron Horse Temperament

Different breeds have different horse personality types. The Percheron stands out for its calm and friendly nature. These patient and intelligent animals are active, easy to train, and enjoyable to work with.

Percherons are willing to please and have a friendly temperament. Their docile personality makes them a great fit for novice riders or handlers who might otherwise be intimidated by the size of such a large animal.

Are Percheron horses good for beginners?

The temperament of Percheron horses makes them an excellent choice for beginners, even if they are just starting to learn how to ride a horse.

What Are Percheron Horses Used For?

Historically, Percheron horses were bred as war horses. But as knights went out of fashion, their roles evolved. Their strength and endurance made them invaluable for many other tasks, including:

Agricultural work

Percheron horses are useful on farms, where they handle heavy machinery and plow fields. Their strength is also beneficial in logging camps, where they haul logs.

Commercial work

Percherons are popular in commercial settings, like providing carriage rides to tourists in cities and at events. 

Events

Percheron horses have become a highlight in sports shows, including the Heavy Horse Driving Trials. A notable event is the Route du Poisson, known as the ‘Fish Race’, held every two years in France. This unique event covers approximately 10.6 miles and showcases the Percheron’s impressive stamina and skill. 

This breed is also often seen in parades and show rings, where they continue to captivate audiences.

Policing

Thanks to their docile nature, it is no surprise that the British Percheron is one of the breeds of horses that police use in the UK. Their calm demeanor makes them well-suited to patrolling crowded areas, where their size offers a reassuring presence.

FAQs

How long do Percheron horses live?

The average lifespan of a Percheron is 25 to 30 years (or even longer with good care), which is relatively long for a draft horse. 

Which horse is bigger, Clydesdale or Percheron?

Both Clydesdales and Percherons are large draft horses. Clydesdales are often taller, standing between 17 to 19 hands, while Percherons typically range from 16 to 19 hands. 

While both are heavy horse breeds, Clydesdales typically weigh around 2,000 lbs, whereas a Percheron horse can weigh between 1,600 and 2,600 lbs.

What are the disadvantages of a Percheron horse?

The disadvantages of Percheron horses include:

• Size-related care: Larger horses require more food, larger stables, and extra considerations during transport.
• Agility: While strong and capable, Percherons are not as agile as light horse breeds, making them less suited to activities requiring speed or quick maneuvers.
• Training challenges: Due to their size, handling, and training, Percherons can be intimidating for novice owners.

Are Percherons good riding horses?

Yes, Percherons can make good riding horses for those comfortable with their size. They are known for being calm, steady, and willing, making them well-suited for pleasure and trail riding. However, due to their draft build, they are not typically used for speed or performance disciplines like jumping.

Final Thoughts

Percheron horses are a remarkable breed, celebrated for their strength, versatility, and gentle nature. From their origins as war horses to their current roles in farming, heavy-duty work, and even policing, they continue to captivate horse enthusiasts worldwide. 

Their intelligence, patience, and willingness to please make them an excellent choice. Despite their formidable size, their calm temperament ensures they can be gentle giants in the right hands.