Rudy Bontrager

Rudy Bontrager, Percherons, Orchard, NE, in Antelope County in northeast Nebraska near Omaha. He has been breeding Percherons for more than a decade and registers his horses with national draft horse associations while adhering to routine health and soundness testing.

The Percherons live on rotational pasture with open barn shelter and receive daily handling to promote calm, confident temperaments. Socialization begins in the earliest months, and the farm's hands-on approach helps foals grow accustomed to grooming, harnessing and light draft work. Rudy's farm also hosts small community demos that showcase the breed's strength and gentle nature, reflecting a family tradition of caring for draft horses.

Each year, horses from his program have placed well in local fairs and regional draft competitions, earning praise for their steady gaits and willing demeanor. He shares training tips and support with owners to help maintain the horses' well-being and performance.