Purcheron Draft Horse

Ivan is our Percheron Draft horse. Percherons originated in France. they were imported to the United States and used often to pull the large beer wagons in the 1800's. Not as big as the Belgian Draft horses, the Percherons nevertheless have lovely heads and are known for their intelligent calm temperment.

Ivan was born in 1986 and sold at auction to a logger. Ivan worked as a logging horse until he was about 8 years old. Then he was sold to a woman who won the Oregon Lottery and she had a trainer teach him to pull a carriage. However this home didn't last long and he was put up for sale. I took my husband Aaron to see him and Aaron fell in love with this loveable character. We brought him home in 1995. He was nine years old. Twelve years later Ivan is still going strong at 21 years old. He has a forever home with us.

Ivan has two jobs he does very well. He babysits stallions. Ivan is quite calm and puts up with all their antics. He raised Trieste, our third stallion. Ivan's other job is trail riding. He quickly learned how to carry a rider and in general he's unflappable. Other horses like him because he's easy going and very non-agressive. He's very comfortable to ride and he's not lazy. He has a big walk and he likes to see the world! Loading him in the trailer is easy - he just gets in all by himself! We hope he'll be with us for a long time. Regular farrier care is very important for draft horses. They have alot of weight on their big feet and those hooves must be trimmed and well taken care of at least every 7-8 weeks. Ivan has excellant feet. Since draft horses are often insuline resistant it's important not to give them grain unless they are really working hard. It's important to keep them trim and fit. Ivan lives on hay, pasture, his Dynamite supplements and he gets free choice salt and other minerals. He has never had any health issues.