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.
About Desert Norman Horses
