The Percheron Horse : Association Info : Committee Members : Contact

The Percheron Horse

The Percheron is a draught horse breed originating in France.  Today the Percheron is the most widespread and successful of all heavy horse breeds, residing on all continents except the poles.

The breed is a direct descendant of the Flemish "Great Horse" and owes its beauty and balance in part to the Arabian, following the capture of Arabian horses during the Crusades.  Arabians crossed with Flemish horses produced a heavy horse of beauty, style and athleticism, and became known as the Percheron, after the district of "Le Perche" where it was bred for many generations.

The Percheron is renowned for its combination of power and grace, and is an intelligent, willing worker.  Extremely versatile, the Percheron easily adapts to varying climates and conditions.  Percherons are noted for their heavy muscling, combined with clean legs and a long, free stride with an elevated lift of knees and hocks.

The Percheron is predominantly solid black or grey in colour, with chestnut horses appearing occasionally.  Minimal white markings are preferred and the Percheron should be relatively free of "feather" (excess hair on the legs).  The coat indicated good quality, with fine, short and dense hair which is easily maintained.  The Percheron is a "good doing" breed requiring little maintenance.  Percherons are also renowned for their strong, hard black feet, so shoeing requirements are minimal.

Percherons generally range between 16 to (very occasionally) 18.2 hands in height.  Average height of the Australian Percheron is about 16.1 - 17 hands.  Weight is generally in the range of 750 - 1100 kgs.

The number of purebreds in Australia is around 350, with many crossbreds used for eventing, dressage and harness work.  Percherons may be found in all Australian states.

In Australia purebred Percherons are represented by the "Percheron Association Australia Incorporated".  PAA members may be found Australia wide.

Copyright Percheron Association Australia Inc.

Association Information

The association was established by a group Percheron owners & enthusiast  interested in maintaining only purebred horses.

The association only accepts purebred Percherons with proven pedigree behind them & does not accept upgraded horses.

If you wish to register a purebred Percheron horse or receive more information, please contact the secretary.

Committee Members

Office Bearers

President: David Toy  (02) 9653 1743

Secretary / Registrar:  Ann Pinfold  (02) 6385 8344

Treasurer:  David Pinfold  (02) 6385 8344

Committee

Miriam Bentley  (02) 6020 4204

Ross Carbery (02) 6020 4222

Jim Murray (02) 9620 2609

Contact

For more information regarding the Percheron breed & Percheron Association Australia Incorporated, please contact:

Secretary: Ann Pinfold (02) 6385 8344