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Sultan, Percheron Stallion imported by General W.T. Walters in 1881. Note the long neck, big head and well set shoulder of this animal as well as the long pasterns, thin bone, elegant topline and overall, general refinement of this horse.

Imported stallions, Tribune and Salvator, brought to the USA by W.T. Walters. Note the coachmen and General Walter's in the spring wagon. These animals are as up-headed as any today, you have to wonder what their action was like?

Percheron mare, Kate and baby. Imported in 1886 by W.T. Walters.

Sultan (same as above) and Victor. Imported and owned by General Walters.

Brilliant (1271), as drawn by Rosa Bonheur. Brilliant is in the center, Childebert is on the left. Brilliant dominated the Percheron industry throughout the 1880s and 1890s in the USA. In fact, the vast majority of prizewinners abroad and in the USA had his bloodlines in them during this period. To this day, it is hard to find an American horses that does not have some of the Brilliant bloodlines in them. Brilliant was imported by Mr. Dunham and put in the positoin of head stud of Oaklawn; the biggest and most important Percheron breeding facility of its day. During this time, he served the very best mares in the United States. Brilliant was known as being a very heavy draft but also being very correct. One author of the time wrote: "Brilliant 1271 was a most impressive horse in his general bearing, and masculine character was emphasized in every line. He was a dominant, vigorous, supermasculine stallion and no one could possibly mistake his power." He was also very prepotent. In conclusion, these are the reasons that Briliant has left a permenant influence on the Percheron breed, even through current times.

A footnote about the 1880s. Although many colors of Percherons were (and are) possible. Up until the 1880s, most Percherons were grey. In fact, many horsemen of that era didn't know that Percherons could be black in color. During the 1880s, it became fashionable for Percherons to be black and soon, there were as many, if not more blacks than greys. Brilliant, not only was a heavy draft but he was black. That in part, may explain his extreme popularity as a stud during this era.