Darrell Gingerich

Darrell Gingerich is a Percheron breeder in Arcola, IL, serving Douglas County and central Illinois near Champaign. He has nurtured draft horses for nearly twenty years and follows recognized breeding guidelines, ensuring each foal receives routine veterinary exams, vaccinations, hoof care, and fertility screenings. His program emphasizes health testing and clean bloodlines in line with the American Percheron Society’s recommendations.

Gingerich raises his Percherons on open pastureland next to a century-old barn where foals learn gentle handling from birth and develop social bonds in mixed-age turnout groups. Pasture rotations and daily hands-on grooming support their strong bones and calm temperament. Many of the horses have performed in regional draft horse shows and featured in plowing demonstrations at county fairs.

Visitors often note the breeders’ transparency and the horses’ sturdy build as hallmarks of this family-run operation. He also offers introductory harness training sessions to help horses acclimate to light draft work.