What is a Percheron's temperament compared to other horses?

Question

We're buying a farm and are interested in buying a couple of horses. We would likely be using them for driving, draught, and riding. I have a fondness for the big stocky draft horses. The Hummer of the horse world. Percherons are very elegant but look very sturdy. I saw one at auction once, a big 17hh grey Perch gelding, and he sold for only $400! He was such a beauty. The lady who bought him said a few months later that he's a big baby. :( *pout*

So generally speaking, what are some of the characteristics of Percherons? What about compared to other types of draft horses? My other dream horse is the Friesian, but they don't seem practical for our purposes. They seem too...frilly. But they sure can turn heads.

So. Any suggestions? We're inexperienced owners/riders and we have two kids. We just don't want to get in over our heads with the wrong horse.

Great answers so far! I don't think I'd mind a horse that required consistent grooming (ie: Friesians), but being inexperienced with horses, I'd need an easy keeper who is rugged and hardy. The fewer health problems that they are prone to, the better.

I found this Cream Draft (I believe) on horsetopia. http://www.rockybengals.com/sarah.htm She looks just like a fairytale! How could anyone not fall in love with such a magnificent animal? I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for a reputable vet who is experienced with horses.

Answer 1

Most draft breeds are fairly mellow. Percherons and Belgians are generally very quiet, while Clydesdales have a bit more "*****" and would be more of a challenge for your situation. You're right about the Fresians- they are more of a specialty breed and this makes them hard to find, expensive to buy, and not ideally suited for farm work. Their gait is not very workman-like and they aren't built to pull, even though they are bigger than your average riding horse. Their thick manes and tails, while definitely beautiful, are hard to manage and they have a lot of feathering and long hair in general.

You can probably find a nice, quiet draft gelding or mare at an auction (like where your friend went) or through a PMU rescue organization. You can do a little research on that, but the PMU (pregnant mare urine) horses are bred for the estrogen in the mare's urine, which is used in human hormane therapy. The resulting foals are essentially a by-product and need to be rescued. Many of these horses are very large since large mares produce more urine/hormane than smaller mares.

No matter where you find your horse, I'd suggest getting a prepurchase exam from a vet or even a very experienced horseperson. Things like registration and pedigree are not going to be a factor in your decision, so make sure the animal is sound, healthy, and doesn't have underlying issues that you aren't willing to deal with. It's one thing to have an underweight animal that you'll "nurse back to health" but it's another thing to find one with an infectious disease or terminal illness.

Getting back to your question though, I think Percherons are taller and slightly thinner/leaner built than Belgians but very similar to Clydesdales. They are almost always black or grey, vs sorrel Belgians and bay Clydesdales. They don't have heavy feathering at the fetlocks like the Clydesdales do, which makes their upkeep a little easier. A mature animal (8 years + or so) with a healthy hoof (make sure you can get him him/her to pick up all 4 feet!) and a quiet personality would be a great starter horse for you... just be sure to find a good team of professionals to help you on the way!

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

Answer 2

Friesian Percheron Cross

Answer 3

Hi there;

You are right about the even temperament of the heavy horses. Do not be intimidated by the size of these magnificent beasts, they are all big lap ponies that will work all day for you.
While the Friesian may "look" like a dandy under saddle, do not let that fool you, they are sturdy, well balanced work horses that can do it all. You will find that most if not all the draft breeds are bred for good common sense and reliability. All will exhibit patience and good will with your kids.
Some recommendations for draft horses are;
American Cream
Belgian
English Shire
Gypsy draft
Suffolk Punch

Answer 4

I'm not into the draft horses, I have Paints but have always admired the Friesen and Shire. I've ridden a Percheron and Belgian and they were both very docile and just gentle giants. The Shire has size and strength and is gorgeous to the eye as well. The Friesen is what I call good eye candy. Mostly a carriage horse. Alot of Friesen crosses to make them better riders. A girl at my barn just bought a Friesen Morgan cross. Draft horses are cool. Good luck in your search. I know I didnt answer your question, sorry. I'm just blah blah blahing right now...lol

Answer 5

I have a half Friesian/half QH and she's a doll baby. Not as big as a Friesian but sturdy and *smart*. All the drafts I've been around are big babies. A friend has a Belgian who has no clue how big he is and is bossed around by her Welsh Cob!

You can't go wrong with a draft or stock-type horse. It's the Arabians, TB's, etc that are less easy-going and generally hotter.

Answer 6

honestly, i might want to flow with what your gut tells you. I mean, i have met some interesting named horses, even one named Tank, and most of the time their call replaced into purely something the owner loved so that they went with it. purely be confident that you purely like the call because it really is what is going to count number besides. I consider waiting somewhat to make sure the nature of the gelding formerly naming him yet now and again there are names that would want to healthful without understanding their personality. as an example, there have been some new born foals round my strong and each and each and every with a diverse call yet none individuals recognize their personalities yet. So the names have a tendency to be like Danny or Levi or Quinn. that is purely the call the foal watch crew idea even as they were operating that nighttime and it stuck. purely have interesting with opportunities and then the single will stick. it continually does.

Answer 7

Despite their volatility, trading penny stocks can be extremely lucrative. Here are three ways that you can profit from investing in penny stocks https://tr.im/Gfvog

The good news about penny stocks is that you can buy a good amount of shares without going broke. It’s thus easier to get a good stake in a company for less than you would pay for stock of a larger organization. To find a company that you feel confident investing in, make sure to do your research. Don’t just choose a company because you saw an article about it, or because your friend is investing in it.