Diversity

About Desert Norman HorsesAbout Desert Norman Horses



Desert Norman horses are essentially a smaller version of the Percheron breed. Development of Desert Norman horses began in La Perche, a district of Normandy southwest of Paris, France - one of the oldest horse-breeding areas in the world. In 732 A.D., Arabian horses abandoned by Moors after their defeat in the Battle of Tours, were crossed with the massive Flemish stock and from this cross came the Percheron type which has endured for twelve centuries.  

During the Crusades, further infusions of Arab blood were made. In the early 1800s the French Government's Stud at La Pin introduced further Arab blood into the Percheron breed by covering selected mares with two outstanding grey Arab sires. Now all contemporary Percherons share this common heritage - grey or black in color - courtesy of the foundation stock that originated in Le Perche.  

This cross created a versatile horse suited for driving, riding or farm work. But as the Industrial Revolution dawned at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, the changing demands for agriculture and transportation began favoring a heavier animal, and Percheron breeders responded by producing the large and powerful horse we know today.  

Now, they are being bred with a focus on a smaller size, to produce a strong, but fast, horse for recreational and competitive equestrian activities.

Desert Norman Horses Associations

Desert Norman Horse Registry - www.desertnormanhorse.weebly.com/