Tony Wallbank wouldn't give up his Percheron plowing team for any tractor. In its day his one furrow riding plow, Canadian made in Hamilton, was a plowing innovation.
Its 16 inch bottom made short work of the plowing. He demonstrates one of the last of these plows to be made. The availability of tractors after the war changed their use for ever. But for Tony, these plows will live on.
He plows with his team of Percherons because he wants to keep alive the history and traditions that made this country great. And He’s owned draft horses since his 20s.
The Percheron is a draft horse that originated in the Huisne river valley in western France, part of the former Perche province from which the breed takes its name. Usually gray or black in color, Percherons are well-muscled, and known for their intelligence and willingness to work.
Draft horses have a storied history. They pulled virtually everything until well into the 20th century. During the first world war, the movement of armament was heavily dependent on six million draft horses. Today they are relegated to special performances, show wagons, and parades.
But for Tony, they will always be his favourite way to plow. And for Pamela Lougheed & Randy Ferrell there will always be a Percheron in front of a wagon or sleigh.
(tlwallbank@gmail.com) & (lougheedstables.weebly.com)