The ground in West Springfield, Massachusetts will rumble as the World Percheron Congress moves into town from October 6^th through the 11^th. The World Percheron Congress, one of the largest competitions showcasing the Percheron in existence, will be held at the Eastern States Exposition.

The World Percheron Congress will showcase more than 850 Percherons, and will take advantage of the Eastern State Exposition’s Coliseum and newly covered Equine Arena. The horse arena now features a canopy connector so that horses can be warmed up and enter the Coliseum without ever having to step outside, a perfect advantage given the unpredictable New England weather.

The World Percheron Congress comes right on the heels of the Eastern States Exposition Draft Horse Show, featured during the last days of the Big E, a widely popular fair attended by people from many New England states. Percherons have proven popular in the Draft Horse Show – in the past twelve years, seven Percheron teams have won the show.

The World Percheron Congress is a tradition that has been in existence since 1978. The first Congress took place in England, and the show has since traveled to different locations around the world including Canada, France, and the United States. The World Percheron Congress last took place in Haras du Pin, France in 2011. This year’s Congress will be the sixteenth time the show has been held.

The 2014 World Percheron Congress promises to bring international delegates from France, Great Britain, South America, and Japan. Exhibitors travel from all over the United States and Canada to participate in this celebration of the Percheron horse.

Five days of competition will mean that the barns will be full and the arena will be busy. Highlights from the jam-packed schedule include a costume class, a barrel racing championship, horse pulls, in-hand and under saddle classes, driving classes, six- and eight-horse hitches, Percheron Thunder exhibitions, and many other lectures, competitions, and exhibitions.

You won’t want to miss any of the action, plus you’ll have a chance to get in on some pretty fabulous drawings, too. Among the prizes to be given away are a variety of horse harnesses, along with a complete wagon with gear and lights.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Percheron or are just looking to learn more about this breed, you’re sure to be in excellent company at the World Percheron Congress. For more information, visit the World Percheron Congress’ website. Want to learn more about this fascinating breed? Be sure to check out our blog post on the Percheron.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/jacqui_newton/5084752324

Original Source: The World Percheron Congress Comes to West Springfield, Massachusetts