Press Release

BISON HOMES PERCHERONS WOW FANS AT PARADA DEL SOL RODEO

Next up For "Team Percheron"… Festival of the West

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – The Bison Homes Percheron six horse hitch wowed the crowd this past weekend at the 55th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo. This wonderful team of beautiful, black draft horses performed during each rodeo session, impressing the crowd with their grace, power and teamwork.

The highlight of the Percherons’ performance was their flawless execution of “docking maneuvers” on command. These synchronized movements simulated delivery work carried out by this breed back in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The drills included the entire six horse team turning 180 degrees in order to turn the wagon 90 degrees (allowing delivery wagons to line up with loading docks), and then moving the team 90 degrees while leaving the wagon undisturbed so that the team once again aligned with the wagon. The six horse hitch masterfully executed these maneuvers and more under the guidance of their handler/driver Gary Keck.

The Percherons next appearance will be at the Festival of the West taking place March 13-16 at Rawhide. Each day of the Festival the team will “hitch up” in the early afternoon for a driving exhibition in the arena. If you can’t make it to one of the exhibitions, the Percherons will be on display in their stalls when not performing. The Festival of the West provides a tremendous opportunity to see these magnificent animals in an up close and personal setting.

The Festival of the West features a Western shopping expo, mounted shooting, cowboy poetry, a chuck wagon cook off and so much more. For more information on the festival call 602-996-4387 or go to www.festivalofthewest.com.

The Percherons are currently wintering at West World through the month of March. To visit these horses at their West World stables, please contact their handler, Gary Keck, directly at 480-205-5990. The Percherons are presented by Bison Homes, a premier builder of retreat homes in Northeast Arizona. For more information on the Percherons, Bison Homes or the Bison Western Museum, call 480-837-8700, or visit www.bisonhomes.com.