Do you know that there is a breed of horse that used to pull urban buses? These horses are the Percherons, of surprising strength and enormous size, as some specimens measure up to 1.80 meters in height. These horses have been the companions of farmers, soldiers and messengers since they emerged back in the 19th century, their participation in parades, wars and crusades throughout the world being memorable. Do you stay to discover the story of the strong and tenacious, but at the same time docile, Percheron horse? Discover in this file on our site the characteristics, character and care of the Percheron horse.
Origin of the Percheron horse
The Percheron horse owes its origin to the Norman province of Le Perche, where it hails from. They are descendants of Arabian horses, which were crossed with other equine breeds. The first specimen of the breed was the result of the cross between a horse named Jean le blanc and a local mare from Le Perche, thus originating the first known specimen of the Percheron horse, born in 1823
These horses earned their fame with their participation in the crusades, being highly praised for their strength and special resistance, in addition to their beautiful appearance. These horses were usually used as package and draft horses, transporting heavy loads and vehicles such as buggies or carriages. They were famous for being, during the 19th century, the horses that pulled mail carts throughout France.
The breed became popular, reaching the United States in 1839, where they served American farmers transporting heavy loads. There was a boom with the outbreak of World War II, as they were very useful horses in the military field. With the end of the war and the appearance of tractors, the breed declined, making it necessary to create associations for its preservation.
In 1960 horses began to be used again on small farms, drastically increasing the population of Percheron horses. Currently, apart from being farm horses, Percherons are typical as draft horses for carriages, buggies and other tourist attractions and as part of different types of parades.
Physical characteristics of the Percheron horse
The Percheron is a horse with a solid and resistant body, especially muscular Depending on their weight, a distinction is made between small and large Percheron horses. The small ones are usually between 500 and 800 kilograms , while the large ones range between 700 and 1200 kilosTheir height also varies, being in the small ones between 1.50 and 1.65 centimeters and reaching1, 65-1, 80 the big ones. Their life expectancy is between 25 and 27 years , although some specimens heroically manage to reach thirty.
The head is almost perfectly proportioned, harmonious, with robust cheeks, a straight profile and large nostrils. Its forehead is wide and the ears are mobile and short. The eyes of the Percherons are large and expressive, with a lively and deep look. Its long and bushy tail stands out, as well as its mane, as well as its hard hooves.
The coat of these horses is different colors, many shades ranging from black to gray are accepted, being especially valued the jet black and taupe gray.
Percheron horse character
The temperament of a Percheron horse is very calm, being extremely docile, although on certain occasions it can be somewhat stubborn They are very intelligent and sensitive animals , something characteristic of practically any horse. For this reason, they must be treated with gentleness and affection, always avoiding physical and verbal aggressiveness, as they generate high levels of stress in them.
They are horses very predisposed to work, since they are used to it. They are capable of handling very tough tasks such as transporting heavy vehicles or incredibly heavy loads. Their strength and agility means that they have been instructed to participate in various shows and parades, as they are capable of learning multiple types of jumps and pirouettes.
Percheron horse care
When we have a horse we have to provide it with a series of cares such as quality feeding Feeding must be based on grass and fresh hay when it is possible. They should also be given plenty of fresh vegetables, especially leafy ones. We can give them fruits as a treat, although not usually because they contain too many sugars. It is essential that our horse has access to fresh water at all times, as dehydration is extremely dangerous.
We must also maintain a strict routine in their daily grooming, since they must be brushed dailyto keep your coat in good condition. A curry comb can be used on his coat, combined with a body finishing brush on more sensitive areas such as the head.
For their mane and tail, we must also use a special comb called a mane comb, so we will keep them untangled and shiny. All this must be supplemented with the corresponding baths and exhaustive care of their helmets, which we must check daily in case injuries or wounds of any kind have occurred.
Percheron horse he alth
For our Percheron horse to maintain good he alth, it is essential, as we have discussed in the care section, that our horse receive a proper dietand that your grooming routine be picky. This is necessary, since due to the characteristics of its coat, if it is not kept in good condition, various infections can be generated. These are especially frequent in the area of the ankles, which are in contact with the ground where there is a great proliferation of bacteria that can adhere to the fur and generate pododermatitis.
Apart from that, percherons have iron he alth and some surprising adaptability, perfectly holding up to both hot and cold climates or wet. We just have to carry out frequent veterinary check-ups to monitor the state of their eyes, mouth, hooves, ears and others, carrying out vaccinations and deworming and evaluating their general he alth.
