Geisler Percherons, Wetzstein Percherons and other horses with family connections
West Concord, Mn

The exact origins of the Percheron have been lost over time. Some believe they are descendants of the original horses found in the Ice Age, while others believe that the Percheron is closely related to the Boulonnais horse used in the Roman invasion of Brittany. Still others believe the breed is from Abdel Rahman's Arab stallions or part of the horses used by the invading Moors at the battle of Poitiers, which were divided among the victorious French forces.

From this point in history we believe the Percheron originated in the area of La Perche, a district of Normandy, one of the oldest horse breeding regions in the world. The breed developed from the local heavy Flemish breeds. Today, Percherons are primarily noted for their heavy draft work but in the 8th century Arabian and other oriental horses were mated with the heavy native horses and cob stock, producing the first of the Percheron horses. This lightened up the Percheron for riding and light draft work.