Press Release

BISON HOMES PERCHERONS WIN PARADA DEL SOL PARADE AWARD

"Best Overall" Goes to Percherons… Next up, Parada del Sol Rodeo

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – February 28, 2008 - The Bison Homes team of beautiful Percheron horses came away with first place honors for the “Best Overall” entry at the 55th Annual Parada del Sol Parade, held last Saturday in Old Town Scottsdale. These wonderful horses impressed the judges with their regal presence, beauty and teamwork. The six horse hitch worked as a finely tuned unit under the guidance of their handler/driver Gary Keck and his trusted group of wranglers.

Following the parade, the Percherons set up camp at the “Trail’s End” Celebration in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Hundreds of devoted fans and admirers stopped by to visit the Percheron display and partake in the other “Trail’s End” festivities that included live music, food, refreshments, games, displays and more all masterfully orchestrated by the Scottsdale Jaycees.

The Percherons next appearance will be this weekend at the Parada del Sol Rodeo taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at West World in north Scottsdale.  Though not competing, the Percherons will put on a handling exhibition in the Equidome ring during each show. Rodeo performances will be held at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday. For more rodeo information contact the Scottsdale Jaycees at 480-990-3179 or online at www.paradadelsol.org.

The Percheron breed originated in France and was first imported to the United States in the mid 1800’s.  Known for its free movement, great disposition and heart, this gentle giant was a major factor in our country’s development.  They plowed fields, hauled freight, pulled fire engines and served our American soldiers in both world wars as heavy artillery horses. Percherons normally tip the scales at just over 2,000 pounds, and stand about 18 hands high. The Percherons are currently wintering at West World through the month of March. To visit these horses up close and personal at their West World stables, please contact their handler, Gary Keck, directly at 480-205-5990.

Other Parada del Sol parade entry award winners included Tom Nesbitt’s Fire Hose Wagon & Cart (Authentic Western Vehicle), 101 Phoenix Ski Club (Civic), Scottsdale Public Library (Comical/Specialty), Michael Pollack Real Estate Investments (Commercial Float), American Legion and VFW (Honor/Color Guard), Golden West Cowgirls (Mounted Western Costumed), Baroque Western Group (Mounted Western), Saguaro High School (Musical Marching), Young Champions of America (Non Musical Marching), Gadsen School District (School Band), Hashknife (Best Theme), Arizona Twirling Athletes Show Corps (Best Youth), 52 Paul's Ace Hardware (Best Scottsdale), Dave Pratt, the Morning Mayor (Judges Choice).

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.

Percheron PHOTOGRAPHS available upon request.