Samuel E. Bontrager

Samuel E. Bontrager is a Percheron breeder in Winterset, IA, serving Madison County and Des Moines. He follows standards set by the American Percheron Society and ensures regular health screening for all his horses. His horses live in open pastures and receive daily handling to support calm, trainable temperaments.

The farm’s roots in gentle handling reflect a tradition of draft horse breeding in the region, emphasizing sound anatomy and gentle temperament drawn from generations of draft horse experience in the Midwest. His operation focuses on producing well-mannered draft horses suited for both agricultural work and recreational driving. Foals are socialized from birth and introduced gradually to harness work with guidance from experienced handlers.

Clients often note the horses’ steady dispositions and robust conformation suited to demanding tasks around a working farm. Wooden barns and shaded paddocks provide a stable environment that supports year-round comfort.