Percheron Hitch and Team

The Hitch

The Bison Homes Percheron six-horse hitch consists of three distinct two horse teams that work as a cohesive unit: the wheel team (the two horses closest to the wagon), the swing team (the two middle horses), and the lead team (the two “showoffs” out in front). Teamwork is essential to the performance of the hitch. All horses must work in unison while executing their specific duties at the command of the teamster. The big wheelers are the power source of the hitch, pulling the majority of the load and guiding the wagon’s turning mechanism. The swing team adds a little more muscle to the hitch and brings stability during tight turns and backing up. The leaders work more freely than the rest of the hitch and require a great deal of athletic ability and intelligence.

The Bison Homes Percherons are Major, Colonel, Ben, Sam, Duke, King Luther, Willie and Slim. Major and Colonel serve as the primary wheel team with Ben working into the rotation. Sam is the steady presence of the swing team while Duke and King Luther split their time between swing and lead. Willie is the consummate lead horse. Slim, nicknamed “The Kid”, is currently “in training”.

The Hitch Wagon

The hitch, or parade, wagon used by the Bison Homes Percherons was handcrafted by Tommy Lawrence Wagons of North Carolina and is one of only six ever built. It is a replica of an early American delivery wagon with a fifth wheel turning system that allows it to turn 360 degrees in the same spot, a feature that made these wagons easier to maneuver in narrow city streets.

The Hitch Harness

The custom show harnesses worn by the Percheron team are works of art. Each harness is finished in patent leather and polished chrome. The collar alone weighs 80 pounds and takes two people to lift around the neck of a Percheron.

Big Numbers

The current team of Bison Homes Percherons collectively weighs about eight and a half tons. The largest of the group, Ben, tips the scales at 2,450 pounds, and stands 19.1 hands high (over 6 feet) at the shoulders. Currently, the tallest Percheron in the world stands 19.3 hands. And in fact, the world’s tallest recorded horse of all time was a Percheron named Dr Le Gear that stood 21 hands, or 84 inches. When standing tall these horses tower above the average man. A typical Percheron eats 40 pounds of hay and 14 pounds of grain per day while in training.

On The Road

When traveling to appearances, the entire hitch goes in style with a 53-foot long custom trailer. The trailer is powered by a modern day draft horse, a Cummins 435 horsepower diesel engine. The trailer can comfortably carry eight horses, the hitch wagon and harness.

Show Time

Like any celebrity, it is important for the Percherons to look their best during a performance. The day before an event each horse is treated to a real day at the spa – a bath and haircut, then a lavish brushing. On game day, manes and tails are braided in traditional style. “This is the horse’s favorite time,” says Gary Keck, hitch manager and driver. “They know when its show time and they really enjoy all of the extra attention.”

It takes about two hours to get the Percherons and their equipment ready for a performance. This preparation includes grooming, braiding, and harnessing the team, as well as polishing and shining the massive hitch wagon and the harnesses.

The Crew

The operation of a multiple hitch of draft horses requires a knowledgeable and experienced crew of horsemen. The Bison Homes hitch is managed by Mr. Gary Keck. Gary also serves as driver of the hitch as well as handling the daily maintenance and training of the Percherons. But when its show time, Gary is assisted by a great team of individuals who work with the precision of a NASCAR pit crew! Everyone on the crew knows their job and performs it well.

So the next time you see the Bison Homes Percherons at an event, we hope you thoroughly enjoy the beauty and majesty of these wonderful animals and the pageantry of this great American tradition. For upcoming Percheron appearances please click on the “Upcoming Appearances” section.

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