Group of Perclieroii stallions, prize witiners in Fram-e and America, 

 showing tlie quality and type requisite in representatives of lliis breed. 

 Owned by Messrs. Dunham, Fletcher & Coleman, Oaklawn Stock Farm, 

 Wayne. Illinois. 



BESCRIPTION OF THE PERCHERON HORSE 



In the establishment of this French breed of draft horses the suif^^ng ideal has 

 been to develop an iictive and durable type of draft horses suited for drawing 

 loads at a rapid pace. The degree to which weight is desirable in the modern draft 

 horse has resulted in the production of a heavier type with those characteristcs yet 

 in evidence. The modern type of this breed is short legged, compactly and stoutly 

 built. The representatives which best exemplify the type show an active 

 lemperament, intelligent heads, short, full crested necks, with deep body and wide 

 croup. To meet the requirements of their patrons they must possess with this 

 abundj'.nco of tiuality, attractiv^e style and active movement. The modern type 

 shows ii dilfcrcnce from the original in being black in color and sotnownat closer to 

 the ground than tliose first imported. The original gray Perchcron had for its 

 peculiar characteristics an unusual combination of strength and active 

 action wilh style and endurance. They had an abundance of style, with 

 round bodies and an exceptional quality of bono. The highest typo of this breed 

 in the present show rings should be typical of aniictive draft horse with thequallty 

 and the substance to jitstify durability. To serve this purpose to the fullest extent 

 the necessity of regular and straight action with properly set limbs should not be 

 a secondary consideration in any show ring, and in the mind of the .iudge no 

 amount of flashy action and toppiness should be allowed to overbalance these 

 features. The weight that is necessary in representatives of this breed should be 

 made up of a desirable quality of bone with muscle in those parts where real 

 strength resides and not by a development in regions that have little to do with 

 pulling power. 



