The Percheron - A portrait of the French cold blood breed

Percheron profile

• Breed: Percheron
• Origin: France, Perche region
• Type: French cold blood
• Size (stick size): 160-185 cm
• Weight: 700-1,200 kg
• Colors: Mainly gray and black, rarely other varieties
• Character: Good-natured, eager to work, intelligent
• Uses: Agriculture, carriage horse, show horse, leisure riding
• Special features: One of the strongest horse breeds, known for its pulling power and elegance
• Life expectancy: 25-30 years with good care

History and origin of Percheron horses

The Percheron is one of the best-known French cold-blooded breeds and has its roots in the Perche region in north-western France. This picturesque region with its wide fields and rolling hills offered ideal conditions for breeding a powerful yet elegant working horse. Even in the Middle Ages, horses from the Perche were sought after for their strength and stamina - at that time mainly as reliable knights' horses.

Over time, the Percheron horse developed from a war horse to a tireless helper in agriculture. In the 19th century, the breed was further bred to meet the growing demands of agriculture and the emerging industrialization. Thanks to their enormous pulling power, Percherons were mainly used as workhorses for transporting heavy loads and in forestry.

The Percheron also quickly became popular outside France. The breed experienced a boom in the USA in particular, where it was valued as a draft horse for carriages and the railroad industry. To this day, Percherons are regarded as a symbol of strength, elegance and reliability.

Although they were once displaced by machines in agriculture, Percherons are making a comeback today - whether as show horses, for carriage rides or for leisure riding.

Exterior: The external appearance of the Percheron

With its powerful build and harmonious stature, the Percheron horse is a real eye-catcher. It is one of the largest and heaviest horse breeds without losing any of its elegance.

The height of a Percheron varies between 160 and 185 cm depending on gender and breeding line, while the average weight is an impressive 700 to 1,200 kg. Despite its massive appearance, the movements of a Percheron are fluid and graceful.

The muscular chest, strong back and well-developed limbs give the Percheron its famous pulling power. Typical of the breed is also the noble, slightly domed head with large, expressive eyes that reflect friendliness and intelligence.

In terms of color, gray and black dominate, but other color variations also occur. The often well-groomed, silky coat is particularly striking and emphasizes the breed's majestic appearance.

➡️ Reading tip: Are you interested in the strongest horse breed in the world? In our article about the Shire Horse you can find out all about this impressive breed: its enormous size, extraordinary pulling power and fascinating history.

Interior: Percheron character

The Percheron is known for its balanced nature, which makes it particularly versatile. Despite its impressive size and strength, the horse always remains gentle and people-oriented. This breed is famous for its willingness to work and high performance, characteristics that have made it an indispensable companion in agriculture and transportation for centuries.

Percherons are also extremely intelligent and willing to learn, which qualifies them not only for traditional work in front of the plow or carriage, but also for use as leisure and show horses. Their calm and friendly temperament makes them reliable partners who keep calm even in stressful situations.

Their patience and willingness to cooperate is particularly appreciated, which is why they are suitable even for beginners. A Percheron quickly forms a close bond with its owners, which makes working together even easier.

Intended use of the Percheron

The Percheron horse has proven itself over the centuries as a true all-round talent. Its impressive strength, coupled with elegance and a balanced temperament, has opened up a wide range of possible uses for it - both in the past and today.

Historical uses

In its original home, the Perche region of France, the Percheron was initially used as a workhorse in agriculture. Its exceptional pulling power made it ideal for plowing heavy soils and transporting goods.

With industrialization, the importance of the Percheron grew beyond agriculture. The breed was used as a carriage horse in cities, especially for transporting heavy loads such as building materials or food. The Percheron horse also proved its worth in forestry, as it could effortlessly pull large logs.

Its strength and endurance also made the Percheron a popular companion in the military, where it was used to transport weapons and equipment.

Modern application possibilities

Nowadays, the Percheron horse has redefined its role in the modern world. Thanks to its majestic appearance, it is a sought-after show horse that is admired at horse events, parades and in historical equestrian shows. Its impressive size and elegant gait are a source of amazement.

The Percheron is also becoming increasingly popular for leisure use. Although it was originally bred as a draft horse, it is ideal for riding - especially for riders who prefer a powerful and calm horse. It offers a pleasant and safe partner, especially for heavyweight riders or for trail riding.

The Percheron is experiencing a small renaissance in agriculture and organic farming. Here it is increasingly being used as an environmentally friendly alternative to machines.

Percheron in culture and leisure

In addition to its practical uses, the Percheron also has a cultural significance. In France, its home country, events and competitions are regularly held in honor of this breed. The Percheron is also known worldwide as a symbol of tradition and strength.

The Percheron as a carriage and draught horse

One of the best-known uses of the Percheron is pulling carriages. Due to its enormous pulling power and smooth, elegant gait, it is a preferred horse for ceremonial occasions such as weddings, parades or historical events.
In the competition scene, the Percheron horse shines in pulling tests and show competitions, where it regularly impresses with its strength and precision.

➡️ Video tip: Learn all about the Percheron in this video. From its origins and breeding to its characteristics and versatile uses - discover why this horse breed is considered a real powerhouse!

Care, husbandry and health of the Percheron

Care

A Percheron horse requires regular careto stay healthy. Its thick coat should be brushed, especially in winter, to remove dirt and loose hair. This routine prevents skin problems and promotes blood circulation. Special attention should also be paid to the hooves which, due to the enormous load they carry, are prone to problems such as laminitis laminitis. An experienced farrier should work on them at regular intervals.

The Percheron 's long mane and lush tail also require grooming to avoid tangles. This not only contributes to their aesthetic appearance, but also prevents unpleasant skin irritation.

Posture

The husbandry of a French cold-blooded horse should meet its natural needs. The Percheron is a large, strong horse that needs sufficient space. A stable with spacious boxes, ideally 16 m² or more, offers the necessary freedom of movement. Regular grazing is also important, as exercise is not only easy on the joints but also improves general well-being.

In the pasture, the Percheron shows its robustness - it tolerates changing weather conditions well as long as a shelter offers protection from extreme heat or wetness. Nutrition also plays a decisive role: high-quality hay forms the basis of the feed. basis of the feedsupplemented with minerals and, depending on the load, concentrated feed. Overfeeding should be avoided, as it further increases the high body weight and puts additional strain on the joints.

Health

The Percheron horse is considered a robust breed, but there are health aspects that require special attention. Its joints, which are put under a lot of strain due to its high body weight, benefit from regular exercise and a balanced diet. Parasite control and vaccinations are a matter of course to prevent disease.

Hereditary diseases in the Percheron

The Percheron horse is known for its robustness and versatility, but like many other horse breeds, it can be affected by genetic diseases. Conscious breeding and careful prevention are crucial to minimize the risks and promote the health of these impressive French cold-blooded horses.

Polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM)

PSSM is a common metabolic disease that is particularly prevalent in cold-blooded breeds such as the Percheron. The disease causes muscle cells to store excess amounts of glycogen, which can lead to muscle tension, stiffness and reluctance to move. Affected horses often show symptoms such as

• Muscle tremors or weakness
• Difficulties moving freely
• Discomfort during or after physical exertion

The disease can be diagnosed using a genetic test. Although PSSM cannot be cured, the symptoms can be alleviated with an adapted diet - low-carbohydrate and high-fat feed rations - and regular, gentle exercise. Owners should pay attention to a balanced diet and continuous training to avoid relapses.

➡️ Video tipIn this video , Eva-Maria Saliu from the Institute of Animal Nutrition at the FU Berlin talks about her experiences with the disease and explains the different types of polysaccharide storage myopathy. 

Joint diseases

Due to their high body weight, Percherons are prone to joint problems, in particular osteoarthritis. This wear-and-tear disease often occurs in older horses or those that have been subjected to heavy loads at a young age. Symptoms are lamenessstiffness and pain during movement.

Early diagnosis and prevention are crucial:

• Regular exercise helps to keep the joints supple.
• A high-quality surface in the stable and on the pasture reduces wear.
• Supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health.

➡️ Video tipWe accompanied Dr. Matthias Rettig from the Maischaiderland Veterinary Clinic as he examined a horse with suspected osteoarthritis . He explains what treatment options are available and what the prognosisis for osteoarthritis in horses

Laminitis

As a large and heavy horse breed, the Percheron is also susceptible to laminitisa painful inflammation of the hoof corium. It can be triggered by incorrect feeding, lack of exercise or metabolic problems. The first signs are 

• Lameness
• Warm hooves 
• A sensitive sole.

The prevention of laminitis starts with a balanced feedingthat is tailored to the needs of the Percheron horse breed . Excess weight should be avoided at all costs as it puts additional strain on the hooves. Regular visits to the farrier are essential to detect and treat deformities or other problems at an early stage.

➡️ Video tipThis video is all about laminitis. The Karthaus Veterinary Clinic provides insights into the causes and symptoms of this inflammation of the hoof corium and explains why the lowering or rotation of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule is particularly critical. 

Genetic characteristics and breeding risks

When breeding Percherons, it is important to pay attention to genetic diversity. Mating too closely within the same lines can not only increase susceptibility to hereditary diseases, but also impair the vitality of the offspring.

Conscious breeding, in which only healthy and tested horses are used, can help to reduce the risk of genetic diseases such as PSSM or osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis. Breeders should establish genetic testing and veterinary examinations as an integral part of their breeding programs.

Breeding the Percheron

Percheron breeding in France has a long and traditional history dating back to the Perche region. Over the course of time, the breeding of this French cold-blooded breed has adapted to the needs of the respective era, which has led to different types and developments within the breed.

Two typical Percheron strokes

Over time, the Percheron horse breed has developed into two main types, characterized by their function and area of use.

1. The noble, lighter breed: This type is characterized by a larger, sportier and more elegant stature. It was primarily bred for carriage driving and representative purposes. This type was particularly popular in early Percheron breeding in France, as it was ideal for use in city traffic.
2. The basic type: This strong, massive Percheron was specially developed for hard work in agriculture and transportation. It represents the classic image of a robust draft horse, which played an important role in French Percheron breeding.

Over time, however, breeding has increasingly focused on heavier and bulkier Percheron horses. This development was influenced not only by the requirements for draft power, but also by the demand for Percheron slaughter horses. Heavier specimens promise a higher meat yield, which has led to a displacement of the lighter, more elegant breed.

Today, the originally more athletic type of Percheron is rarely seen. Nevertheless, the Percheron horse breed remains a symbol of strength, elegance and adaptability, with breeding programs in France and around the world continuing to try to preserve the diversity of the breed.

Breeding center: The Haras du Pin

The French national stud farm Haras du Pin in the Département of Orne is considered the stronghold of Percheron breeding in France. Built in 1715, the stud farm is often referred to as the "Versailles of horses" and is not only an important location for breeding, but also a cultural highlight. In the summer months, weekly horse parades called "Les Jeudis" take place there. Percheron horses are presented in all their diversity - whether under the rider or in front of the carriage.

Famous Percherons

The history of the Percheron is characterized by impressive horses that became famous for their size as well as their strength:

Dr. Le Gear: 

This Percheron stallion, born in 1902, was one of the largest horses of all time. With a height of 213 cm and a weight of 1372 kg, he was only surpassed by the Shire Horse "Sampson".

Les dames blanches: 

In 1826, the first Parisian omnibus company exclusively harnessed white horses of the Percheron breed to its coaches. These were affectionately called "les dames blanches" (the white women) by the passengers, inspired by a contemporary opera.

FAQs about the Percheron

Can Percheron horses be ridden?

Yes, Percheron horses make excellent riding horses despite their size. Their even temperament and gentle movements make them particularly popular with leisure riders. Well-trained Percherons are also suitable for beginners.

How much does a Percheron horse cost?

The price of a Percheron horse is between 4,000 and 10,000 euros, depending on pedigree, age and training. High-quality breeding animals or specially trained Percherons can be significantly more expensive.

How long does a Percheron horse live?

A Percheron horse has an average life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. With good care and species-appropriate husbandry, this robust horse breed can reach an advanced age.

Is the Percheron the biggest horse?

The Percheron horse is one of the largest horse breeds in the world. With a height of 160 to 185 cm, it is one of the strongest and most imposing cold-blooded horses, but is usually surpassed by the Shire Horse.

Which is the biggest horse in the world?

The largest known horse was the Shire Horse "Sampson", which reached a height of 2.19 meters. However, the famous Percheron stallion Dr. Le Gear, with a height of 2.13 meters, is one of the tallest horses of all time.

What temperament does a Percheron horse have?

Percherons are known for their calm, good-natured and intelligent nature. These characteristics not only make them excellent draught horses, but also reliable partners in the leisure sector.

How much does a Percheron horse weigh?

The weight of a Percheron horse is between 700 and 1,200 kg, depending on type and sex. Particularly large specimens can weigh up to 1,400 kg.

What is the Percheron horse used for?

The Percheron horse breed is traditionally used as a draught and work horse. Today it is used in agriculture, carriage driving, shows and increasingly as a riding horse for leisure and sport.

How many Percheron horses are there in the world?

The exact number of Percheron horses worldwide is difficult to determine. They are particularly common in France, the USA and Germany, where they are selectively bred and used in many areas.

Where do Percheron horses come from?

The Percheron horse originally comes from the Perche region in France. The breed was developed there as a French cold-blooded horse that impresses with its strength and endurance.

What colors are found in Percheron horses?

Percheron horses are mainly found in the colors gray and black. White horses dominate in Europe in particular, while black and bay horses are also more common in the USA.

Are Percheron horses suitable for beginners?

Yes, Percherons are also suitable for beginners due to their good-natured and calm character. However, their size requires experience in handling large horses and competent guidance.

What care do Percheron horses need?

Percheron horses require regular care, including coat care, hoof care and a balanced diet. Due to their size, sufficient space and daily exercise are essential to maintain their health.