Bruce is a Percheron which is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in northern France, part of the former Perche province.  Typically, gray or black in color, Percherons are well-muscled, intelligent, and a willingness to work.  Originally they were bred for use as war horses. Eventually they began to be used for pulling stage coaches and wagons and for agriculture such as plowing and hauling heavy goods.  Percherons in the United States typically stand between 16.2 and 17.3 hands (66 and 71 inches), with a range of 15 and 19 hands (60 and 76 inches). American Percherons average 1,900 pounds with their top weight around 2,600 pounds.

                                                             Ben and Gerry are American Cream draft horses. The breed was developed in Iowa during the early 20th century, beginning with a cream-colored mare named Old Granny. During the Great Depression, the breed’s existence was threatened. In 1944 a breed registry was formed. It was reactivated in 1982 and population numbers have slowly grown.  Stallions and geldings stand 16–16.3 hands (64–67 inches) and weigh 1,800 pounds or more.