[Misa]

So I'm looking to adopt a Percheron mare and I have a few questions!

Can a Percheron live comfortably on 1 acre of land?

What kind of temporary structure do you think is appropriate to shield her from weather until I get my barn built?

And would a standard adult sized rope halter fit her?

Please don't be too harsh on me if these questions seem bad! I'm trying to learn as much as I can before I consider adoption so she can have the best life possible!

 

[BoldComic]

I would say yes a percheron could live on one acre. But is it a full acre just for the horse or is it a one acre lot with a house, yard, and small pasture? It is very possible that a horse that big will stomp out most of the plant life on one acre.

A 3 sided run in is always good. They sell them as kits anywhere you can buy livestock panels.

No a standard rope halter will not fit. Not even close. You will need a draft halter. You will need bigger everything.

Please keep in mind that the bigger they are the more they cost to keep. Just having her feet trimmed can cost you quite a bit and if you have shoes put on her you'll be paying 3-5x the amount you would for a standard size horse.

Not trying to discourage you, just make sure you go in with both eyes open.

Post pics if you get her.

 

[Thrill Ride]

I work with Percherons at work.

My small QH ate down a 2 1/2 acre pasture in a monthish, so you will need to have hay all year round.

Like mentioned above, trimming is going to cost almost 2 times more.

I love working with Percherons, they are a really really fun breed.

You will need a draft horse halter.

What do you plan on doing with her? How old is she? What training has she had?

 

[Oldhorselady]

One acre of just space for the horse is ok. Pasture/grass won't last long. Mine eats everything like a garbage disposal....even the stuff other horses would leave behind.

Rope halter needs to be the largest you can get. My girl has a huge head and the throat latch, even on some draft size halters, fly masks etc. are too small.

 

[Chevaux]

Company for your horse may be an issue as well. Some horses do not like to live alone (being as they are herd animals) and may be very stressed out if left by themselves. Therefore, if that is the case, she will need company and your one acre will start filling up fast!

 

[loosie]

As others have beaten me to... Yes, one acre is plenty big enough, but not nearly enough if you don't want it chewed up & to be feeding out full time. Therefore, not likely that the horse will end up exercising much in this area either, unless you implement a setup that encourages more - eg. 'laneways' with hay, water, shelter at different areas.

And horses do survive on their own, but they're herd animals who don't like living alone & this can become problematic for their health & wellbeing. Not to say you need 2 percherons - could always have a mini for company, or even a goat or such.

As for shelter, if there is adequate tree coverage, especially as windbreaks, &/or you rug the horse in bad weather, this will probably be fine until your barn is built. Otherwise a lean-to that will protect her from wind & rain when she feels the need is fine. Can get by with a 2 sided affair.

 

[Misa]

I'm thinking of getting a goat as a pasture mate! And I'm aware of the feeding and her stomping out the pasture.
It's a full acre- maybe if i'm lucky, an acre and a half- of JUST pasture. There is 60+ acres of land available to me, but i'm only allowed an acre-1 1/2- of pasture space because it's my families property, so her exercise won't be an issue.
I'm only interested in trail riding right now. Maybe getting into hunter/jumper. The rescue she's located at said she'd be a great jumper.
She's about 7 years old.
She's Green broke and still needs to be finished, and I do know a trainer who will help me.
As for shade, the property lining the pasture space is all pine trees so there is plenty of shade.
I appreciate all of your help!

 

[Oldhorselady]

Sounds like you are well on your way! Congrats on becoming a percheron owner!

 

[Skyseternalangel]

Draft Tack



They're amazing.. I don't have a draft per say but my Warmblood has really awkward measurements. His nose is as wide as a draft but shorter everywhere else. Totally recommend this company.

 

[Saddlebag]

Are you sure your not getting in over your head? I hope you've spent time at a stable to learn about horse care. Can you deal with an 1800lb horse if it decides to try to intimidate you? Most new owners can't deal with a pony that outsmarts them or threatens bodily harm.

 

[Misa]

Are you sure your not getting in over your head? I hope you've spent time at a stable to learn about horse care. Can you deal with an 1800lb horse if it decides to try to intimidate you? Most new owners can't deal with a pony that outsmarts them or threatens bodily harm.

For your information, I haved. I worked at a stable for two years working with a percheron. I learned a LOT. I learned to handl him when he got rowdy, i learned how to control him (and other horses) when they were around strange horses and were picking fights. I know how to control a rearing horse. I'm not completely new to horses. I've been with and around them since i was 7. I'm just learning as MUCH as i can before i OWN my first horse.

 

[Skyseternalangel]

I'm just learning as MUCH as i can before i OWN my first horse.

And that's awesome. It shows you are dedicated to doing things the right way

 

[Misa]

Thank you! I don't want to get my horse, then not know how to properly care for her!