Bison Homes Percherons Take First Place at Payson Parade

PAYSON, Arizona – The Bison Homes team of beautiful Percheron horses came away with first place honors in the annual Payson August Doin’s Parade, held Saturday, August 16, on Main Street in Payson. These wonderful horses impressed the judges with their regal presence, beauty and teamwork. The hitch worked as a finely tuned unit under the guidance of their handler/driver Gary Keck and his trusted group of wranglers.

In addition to the parade, the Percherons performed during each session of the Payson Rodeo on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This was the 124^th continuous running of the Payson Rodeo, the world’s longest such streak. When not performing in the rodeo arena, the Percherons were available at their tent for public viewing.

After a busy summer of parades, rodeos and grand openings in the cool pines of Northeastern Arizona, the Percherons will be leaving their summer stables at Bison Ranch. During the first week of October the team will relocate to their winter home at West World in Scottsdale. To visit these magnificent horses up close and personal at their West World stables, please contact their handler, Gary Keck, directly at 480-205-5990.

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 tremendous 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 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.