Explore the Percheron horse’s history, size, coat colors, temperament, and modern uses. Learn what makes this French draft breed suited to driving, farm work, and recreational riding, plus practical guidance on feeding, hoof care, ownership costs, and health concerns such as PSSM1 and chronic progressive lymphedema.

Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) is a lifelong condition that causes swelling, thickened skin, folds, sores, and recurrent infections in draft horses and other heavily feathered breeds. Learn how CPL develops, which horses are most at risk, how to recognize early and advanced signs, and how veterinarians and owners manage mites, skin infections, swelling, wounds, hoof care, movement, and long-term comfort.