Last updated: October 17, 2023
We recently passed a wagon pulled by a pair of Percherons. Horse-drawn carts are common in our area, but they’re typically hooked to Haflingers, or Belgians, not Percherons.
Percheron horses are a versatile draft breed that originated in France; they make exceptional riding horses and are great for pulling wagons and carriages. Percherons are alert and willing learners with a calm temperament.
People often choose a horse based on its looks. And although Percherons are a beautiful horse breed, they have a lot more to offer than aesthetics.
Percheron Horse Facts
Percherons are a type of draft horse that is native to the Perche region of Normandy, France. They are known for their strength and endurance and have been used for centuries for agricultural work and warfare.
Today, Percherons are still popular as working animals, and they are also often used for riding and driving. Percherons typically stand between 16 and 17 hands high and weigh between 1,900 and 2,000 pounds.
They have compact bodies with strong legs and sturdy hooves. Percherons come in a variety of colors, but most are either black or grey. They are intelligent horses with even temperaments, and they are known for their willingness to work. Whether you are looking for a loyal companion or a hardworking animal, a Percheron is an excellent choice.
Where did the Percheron Horse Originate?
The Percheron horse breed originated in the French province of Perche. Perche was an area of mostly forest land located south of Normandy. After the French Revolution, it was absorbed into other regions and no longer exists.
Invaders used the Perche province as a launching point to attack different regions in the surrounding area. The Romans, Gauls, and Celtics fought in Perche during the 7th and 8th centuries. In the 9th century, the Vikings used Perche as a base to attack Normandy.
Arabian bloodlines influence the Percheron Horse Breed.
When the Vikings came, they brought horses from foreign lands, including Arabian stallions, and these foreign horses were bred with native mares. The offspring developed into the Percheron horse breed.
The modern Percherons can trace their roots to a specific location where the breed originated, the Huisne river valley of Perche.
The precise blood used to develop the breed isn’t known; however, historians speculate that the region was more of an influence on the breed’s development than the bloodline.
Percherons were originally useful for farm and riding horses. However, in the early 17th century, the Percherons became fierce battle mounts for French knights.
During this period, the Percherons didn’t have the height they have today; they were strong and muscular but slightly shorter. The Percherons that the French knights rode into battle commonly stood between 15 and 16 hands tall.
Because of their temperament, intelligence, and athletic ability, Percherons were highly sought-after warhorses.
Percherons were near extinction in the 19th century
In the 19th century, a stud was introduced to build the breed back to its former glory after its near extinction. This stud was named Jean Le Blanc.
Jean Le Blanc fulfilled his duties, and today, every Percheron pedigree is traced back to Jean Le Blanc. With the breed rebuilt, the French government began using the horses to develop them into cavalry mounts.
Percherons are used in many equine activities.
Percherons’ are strong and athletic but also intelligent enough to compete in various events. Recently, I watched young riders practicing their showjumping skills when a Percheron caught my eye in the arena!
This Percheron is the epitome of versatility. While watching it in action, I spoke to its owner and learned that it worked as a crowd control horse for the New Orleans Police Department before converting to its current role.
There are two Percheron body types.
Since the 8th century, the French horse breed’s appearance has changed and grew into a large draft breed. However, the modern French draft horses have two distinct body types, both draft, but one is a heavy draft and the other a light draft.
Both body types are popular and are a favorite draft breed around the world; they are elegant, energetic horses with a pleasant disposition.
Percherons have a calm temperament.
This French draft breed has a docile and good-natured horse breed, yet they aren’t sluggish or dull. In heavy traffic or riding on the trails, they don’t upset easily.
They are smart, prideful, and hard workers. However, unlike some other draft breeds, they are spirited horses; their fiery personality could be the result of their warhorse ancestors.
Percherons have lots of energy.
This French draft breed has the highest energy level of all the draft breeds. But high energy doesn’t mean “high strung” because these are level-headed horses. They are fearless, rarely spook, and easy to control.
If they do get spooked for some reason, they are quick to regain composure. These horses are calm enough that they are frequently used as therapeutic mounts. They don’t have a tendency to run off at the first unexpected noise but are willing to go when asked.
Percherons develop quickly with an experienced trainer and are used in a variety of equestrian events. The breed is cooperative, friendly, and willing learners.
Are Percherons good riding horses?
We don’t see many people riding Percherons, but they look like they could be nice mounts with energy and a calm disposition. So I decided to do some research to find out if they could be good riding horses.
Percherons are excellent riding horses; they have the conformation, energy, and endurance for long trail rides and the athletic ability required for eventing. Percherons are versatile enough to use in a wide range of riding activities.
In the 19th century, they traveled up to 37 miles a day at a trot. These draft horses, unlike many draft breeds, are easy horses to keep, and they adapt well to many conditions and climates. They have good feet and healthy bones.
Below is a YouTube video that showcases the versatility of Percheron horses.
These French draft horses are easy to train and have a natural desire to please, two necessary traits in a good riding horse. These draft horses are used in English riding, trail riding, jumping, and dressage.
In 2018, a full Percheron competed at the U.S. Dressage Finals at 21 years old. These horses can do it all. His rider describes the horse as “kinda fancy when it comes to his gait and light on his feet,” words not typically used to describe a draft horse.
Are Percherons gaited?
Percherons are ridden in various equine events, but I started thinking about how comfortable they would be to ride and if they are gaited. Since I’ve never ridden one, I decided to find out.
Percherons aren’t a gaited horse breed, but they have great clean action when walking. They move proudly and are relatively smooth-riding horses. When trotting, it can get rough in the saddle, not unlike many other non-gaited breeds.
Gaited horses have distinct footfall patterns; at all times, one foot of a gaited horse is on the ground. Horses having one foot on the ground at all times prevents a drop of the horse between steps, resulting in a smooth ride. To learn more about gaited horses, read our post “What Are The Gaits of the Paso Fino Horse.”
Colors of Percheron horses
Percherons can be many colors, but there are two dominant colors in the breed: grey and black.
Are Percherons born black?
Every Percheron I’ve seen had a gray coat. I was told that all Percherons are born black and turn gray as they age. But I’m unsure if this is correct, so I decided to find out.
Many Percherons are born black and turn grey, and others are born gray and typically lighten with age. The British Percheron Horse Society only accepts horses with coat colors of black and grey for registration.
Percherons were often used to pull carriages on public roadways before the advent of motorized vehicles. Because of this, the color most desired was grey, so they were easier to see in the late evening and night.
French Percherons’ coat color is gray or black.
Black and grey coat colors are also the only coat colors acceptable for registration in France. The Percheron Horse Association of America allows the registration of horses with coat colors black, gray, roan, and chestnut.
The British Percheron Horse Society was formed in 1918. The initial horses to develop the breed came from France, the United States, and Canada.
U.S. Percherons include roan and chestnut colors
The first Association in the United States was formed in 1876 and was named the Norman-Percheron Association. This association was the first purebred horse association formed in the United States.
The original association folded, and a new society formed in 1905 called the Percheron Society of America. In 1934, the Percheron Horse Association of America was formed and continues today.
Percherons are big horses.
Percherons are big and athletic horses, but how do they compare to one of the largest draft horse breeds, the Clydesdale?
Are Percherons bigger than Clydesdales?
When I walk near a Percheron, I’m always shocked at the massive size of these horses. My surprise is likely because we own Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds, but I wonder if Percherons are larger than Clydesdales.
The Percheron horse breed is similar in size to the Clydesdale breed; the French draft horse’s average weight is more, and the Clydesdale is typically taller. Both are among the largest horse breeds in the world.
| Breed | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Percheron | 16.2-17.3 | 1,900-2,600 lbs |
| Clydesdale | 16-18 | 1,800-2,000 lbs |
The ideal size of a Percheron varies by country; in France, heights range from 15.1 to 18.1 hands. In the United Kingdom, the shortest acceptable height is 16.1 for stallions, and in the United States, they stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands tall.
Percherons have strongly built conformation.
An ideal Percheron has a long-level croup with a significant round hip. He should be close-coupled, have a full, deep chest and laid-back shoulders,
Their heads are broad with a straight face, strong jaw, and refined medium-sized ears. The neck should be thick and arched and crested in stallions, similar to most other draft breeds.
These horses have strong legs, big knees, and broad hocks. Their cannon bones are short, and they have medium-length pasterns. They have average-sized feet with hard hoofs. These are hardy horses with good muscles and bones.
How much do Percherons eat?
Since Percherons are so large, they must eat a lot. So before you bring one home, it would be prudent to have an idea of how much your Percheron needs to eat.
Percherons typically eat 30 pounds of hay and 5 pounds of grain per day. They are big horses and need a lot of food to sustain their bodies. Calorie intake should be adjusted for the climate and work activity of your horse.
If you intend to keep one in a stall, ensure it is a big stall. These horses don’t do well in a small or confined area; however, they can be kept in a paddock or pasture without any problem.
How long do Percheron horses live?
I know most draft horses live to about 18 years old, but Percherons aren’t like most draft horses. So, I started wondering about their lifespan and if they live longer than other draft horses.
Percherons, on average, live between 25-30 years; this is substantially longer than most large draft breeds. Percherons are hardy horses and are not prone to any specific health conditions. A lifespan of 25-30 years for a horse is typical for light horse breeds but high for heavy horses.
You can click this link to read about an equine study of the nutritional needs of horses, which includes Percherons.
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An avid equestrian and seasoned racehorse owner, Miles Henry brings his extensive experience to the equine world, proudly associating with the AQHA, The Jockey Club, and various other equine organizations. Beyond the racetrack, Miles is an accomplished author, having published various books about horses, and is a recognized authority in the field, with his work cited in multiple publications.
🔗 Connect with Miles:
YouTube: Check out race highlights, horse care tips, and more!
Meet Miles Henry
An avid equestrian and seasoned racehorse owner, Miles Henry brings his extensive experience to the equine world, proudly associating with the AQHA, The Jockey Club, and various other equine organizations. Beyond the racetrack, Miles is an accomplished author, having published various books about horses, and is a recognized authority in the field, with his work cited in multiple publications.
🔗 Connect with Miles:
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YouTube: Check out race highlights, horse care tips, and more!