 George
Bancroft
of Dansville, New York
brings a wealth of experience to our pages on the subject of
Percherons.
Percherons have been a part of George's life for 50 years
and are still used by George for plowing on his 100 acre
farm.
To watch George work his 3-team hitch of Percherons is truly
a pleasure. You become instantly aware of his
experience, and confidence in his team, whether at work
tilling the fields or winding his way through the cones
at an exhibition.
When asked to give a description of the Percheron, George
states, "The Percheron is an intelligent and loyal
horse. Blessed with tremendous, strength and stamina,
they willing undertake and achieve all that is asked of
them."
 Pictured
at left is George's Team, as they plow one of the
fields. During a summer storm in July of 1997, one of
the horses was struck by lightning. George hurried to
his side as he lay motionless in the field. The site
that George was about to witness, was something he will
never forget! As George neared his stricken comrade, he
observed one of the other horses standing over the
stricken horse. The horse kept was prodding the
motionless, stunned body and nickering softly. It was as
if he were trying to encourage the horse, that he would
be fine, if he would fight to hang in there. As George
stood over the injured horse, comforting him, he gazed
up and saw a tear streaming from the eye of the other
horse. That incident left no doubt, in many minds, that
animals have the ability to feel compassion and are
aware of the the seriousness of a situation. The
lightning strike left the horse badly burned and near
death. After months of treatment and convalescence, the
horse is back with team!
George and his team won the New York State Plowing Contest -
Best Teamer. Equine Extra salutes George Bancroft and
his Percherons. They truly are "A Team For All Seasons"!
|
