This breed is basically an early form of the Percheron<\/a> breed, before they became the heavy animal they are today. The Desert Norman Horse began in a district of Normandy in France – which is one of the oldest horse breeding areas on the planet. In 732 AD Arabian<\/a> animals were abandoned by the Moors after their defeat in the Battle of Tours. These animals were crossed with massive Flemish stock and the resulting animals came to be known of the Percheron<\/a> which has endured since. <\/p>\n During the Crusades more Arabian blood was added and bred into the Percheron lines. The resulting animal was versatile and as well suited for driving as they were for riding or farm work. The Desert Norman is today’s version of those original bloodlines. During the Industrial Revolution, the demands of farms and transportation changed and began to require more robust animals. The response was to create a heavier & more powerful animal that we know as the Percheron today. <\/p>\n These days there is a renewed interest in the Desert Norman and in keeping with their smaller, more refined bloodlines. Desirable animals display a balanced, rhythmic stride, free movement and are versatile performers. <\/p>\n Average height 15 – 16.2 hands<\/p>\n Head is attractive and well proportioned black<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a><\/p>\n Calm and intelligent Eventing horse
\n<\/p>\nOrigins<\/h3>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
Physique<\/h3>\n
\nForehead is clean and refined
\nEars are small and curved
\nEyes are large, expressive and confident
\nNeck is medium in length and arched
\nChest is broad and muscular
\nShoulders are slanted and well muscled
\nBack is short, strong and well defined
\nLegs are well muscled and well proportioned
\nHooves are large, dense and well angeled<\/p>\nTraditional Colors<\/h3>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
\nWilling & sociable
\nAlert & curious<\/p>\nUse<\/h3>\n
\nCompetition horse
\nRiding & pleasure animal<\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n