Percheron

ThePercheron is a breed ofdraft horse that originated in theHuisne river valley in western France, part of the formerPerche province from which the breed takes its name. Usuallygray orblack in color, Percherons are well muscled, and known for their intelligence and willingness to work. Although their exact origins are unknown, the ancestors of the breed were present in the valley by the 17th century. They were originallybred for use aswar horses. Over time, they began to be used for pullingstagecoaches and later for agriculture and hauling heavy goods. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries,Arabian blood was added to the breed. Exports of Percherons from France to the United States and other countries rose exponentially in the late 19th century, and the first purely Percheronstud book was created in France in 1883