"Smokey and Spike"
Team of Percheron geldings
Team of Percheron geldings
Meet Smokey and Spike, Abby Lane Farm’s first team of fine Percheron horses.
Both Smokey and Spike were born on a ranch in Saskatchewan. Like all other Percheron horses they were born black; their colour changes as they age from black to dapple to white. They were broke to drive at the age of two and used for farm work and parades. The team was also featured in a Saskatchewan documentary. They were bought and sold to a ranch in Alberta in 2005 and then purchased by Catharine in 2008 at the ages of 12 and 14. Then Smokey and Spike made the long trek to their new home at Abby Lane Farm on Vancouver island.
Smokey and Spike are inseparable, they are always together. Spike can’t be without sight of Smokey. When they first came to Abby Lane neither were interested in eating apples or carrots, they were offered goodies frequently, but neither would try. Until one day... Catharine was eating an apple as she was leading both along. Smokey was watching and after smelling the fruit he decided to take a bite but he spit it out right away. Spike smelled Smokey’s mouth and he decided well heck, if Smokey tried it I guess I should eat it. After discovering a variety of great new treats, now they will both give anything a taste!
"Smokey": Weight: 2300 lbs, Height: 17 hh "Spike": Weight: 2000 lbs, Height: 17.1 hh
About Percheron HorsesA search for Percheron roots leads to three distinct and powerful areas of influence in the homeland of France: first, the ancient and unrefined Flemish horses of western Europe; Second, the invading force of the North Africian cavalrymen, who riding the best Barb, Turk and Arabian horses in the world at that time, were left behind by an army in flight; and Third, and comparatively recently, the united pursuit of clearly defined type and performance ideals by French horsemen in the lovely old district of La Perche, southwest of Paris.
Percheron horses are an energetic, elegant and intelligent horse with a good temperment. Their popularity stems from their ease of handling and their enthusiasm for work. Percherons are used as carriage horses, parade horses, and working farm hourses - for hayrides, sleigh rides and horse logging and forest clearing. Despite their size, they are extremely elegant, which makes them perfect show and parade horses. They measure 17-18 hands high and even taller, and weigh from 1600-2400 pounds. Their adaptability to many different climates and the fact that they do not require a lot of food, also make them a popular choice for both working farm and show horses.