The Desert Norman is essentially a very early form of the Percheron breed, which started out as a much more refined horse refined than the massive animal it is today. The breed began in La Perche, a district of Normandy southwest of Paris, France - one of the oldest horse-breeding areas in the world. Here 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 infusion of Arabian blood was made. Arabian sires procured in the Holy Land were bred to the Percheron. In the early 1800's the French Government's Stud at La Pin introduced further Arabian blood into the Percheron breed by covering selected mares with two outstanding grey Arabian sires. Now all contemporary Percherons share this common heritage descending from the foundation stock that originated in Le Perche.
This cross created a versatile horse suited for carriage, riding or farm work. But as the Industrial Revolution dawned at the beginning of the 19th 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, the breed is coming full circle back to its early roots, its popularity fuelled by modern-day horse people involved in all manner of recreational and competitive equestrian activity. The ancient, elegant and endlessly versatile Arabian-Percheron melding which began 1200 years ago, has a newfound following.
We have named this breed, the Desert Norman, in honor of its two founding bloodlines.
During the Crusades, further infusion of Arabian blood was made. Arabian sires procured in the Holy Land were bred to the Percheron. In the early 1800's the French Government's Stud at La Pin introduced further Arabian blood into the Percheron breed by covering selected mares with two outstanding grey Arabian sires. Now all contemporary Percherons share this common heritage descending from the foundation stock that originated in Le Perche.
This cross created a versatile horse suited for carriage, riding or farm work. But as the Industrial Revolution dawned at the beginning of the 19th 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, the breed is coming full circle back to its early roots, its popularity fuelled by modern-day horse people involved in all manner of recreational and competitive equestrian activity. The ancient, elegant and endlessly versatile Arabian-Percheron melding which began 1200 years ago, has a newfound following.
We have named this breed, the Desert Norman, in honor of its two founding bloodlines.