Pana-Len Percherons

Looking for some fun in April? Join us at the Eastern Regional Percheron Association Spring Dance on Saturday, April 27 at the Carp Fair.

The evening is filled with music, laughter, and community spirit. We're also hosting both silent and live auctions, filled with amazing items generously donated by local businesses and individuals.

But we need YOUR help to make our auction a success! Do you have a unique item, a service, or an experience that you could donate? Whether it's a homemade craft of baked good, a gift certificate, or a weekend getaway, every contribution makes a difference in supporting our association and the Percheron breed.

If you're interested in donating to the auction or attending the event, please reach out to either Greg or Sarah. Don't miss out on the chance to have fun, make memories, and support the promotion and preservation of the Percheron draft breed. See you there!

While the Metcalfe Fair is 'home' to one side of our family, the Renfrew Fair also holds a special place in our hearts. Sarah's family has deep roots in Renfrew.

For many years, her grandfather, Dr. George Cox, cared for both large and small animals across the county. And for those in town who didn't have a pet of their own, they had a friend in the family's Basset Hound, Sam, who enjoyed wondering the streets in search of treats and an ear scratch.

Her mom, Cathy, grew up at the local pony club and was an avid hunter-jumper. Sarah was introduced to the equine world before she could walk and her love for all animals, especially horses, was ingrained.

So, mark your calendars now and come see is in Renfrew on September 6 & 7.

We’re excited to once again be a part of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series this year. With the sun shining, we’re ready to get our hitch on! Bring on the 2024 show season.

🌟 Throwback Thursday 🌟

Can you believe we’re heading into the third year of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series?! It's been an awesome ride and we can’t wait to tell you everything we have in-store for this season.

Presented by Natures Wave Inc. | Eberglo, the Series has brought together hitches from across the province for a competition like no other. As we reminisce about our inaugural year in 2022 and all the great memories since then, let's take a moment to salute the dedication of all the hitches, the hard work of the host fairs, the unwavering support of our partners, and the spectators who cheered on their favorites!

Who's ready for show season? 🎉

Fourth generation taking over the lines.

Have a great weekend with both your human and fur families and friends.

✨Happy Family Day weekend to all✨

From our draft family to yours, wishing you lots of smiles and stories with your favourite crew!

📷Courtney Williams Photography

Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Member: Pana-Len Percherons

grateful: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful

This Thanskgiving, our cups are filled with gratitude. From our family and friends who make this showlife possible, to the fairs and attractions that give us a stage to perform, to the sponsors who support the agriculture community, we thank you.

We were on the road more than ever this year, participating in 10 out of 14 shows in the inaugural Ottawa Valley Hitch Series. The Series' finals we held at the Carp Fair and we were proud to have the Series key sponsor - W.O. Stinson and Son Ltd - ride the wagon with us for the extra lap. Thank you to Mike Jensen, Trish Shantz, Charles Caldwell, Kaytlin Barr, Joey Wilson and all of the volunteers involved in bringing this Series to life.
Congratulations to our friends and fellow exhibitor, Harvest Hill Belgians, on your first-place finish in the Series standings. It's always fun showing with Sharon Chris, Chad, Kristen and crew.

A special shout-out goes to all of the fairs that hosted 2023 qualifying classes:

Livestock Breeders Association
Lansdowne Fair
Arnprior Agricultural Society
The Navan Fair
Merrickville Fair
Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society Fair
South Mountain Fair
Cobden Fair
Stormont County Fair
Shawville Fair
Perth Fair
Renfrew Fair
Spencerville Fair
Richmond Fair

For some, the ribbons may be a reminder of defeat. But for us, they represent so much more.

We rang in 2022 with setting a goal of showing on the big stage at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair's 100th Anniversary. We focused more than ever on preparing the boys. A tweak here; an adjustment there. Extras hours of training and sacrifice. The family-owned hobby hitch from Metcalfe, ON was ready.

Nothing could have prepared us for the setbacks and heartache late fall would bring. Losing not one but two of our gentle giants within weeks was devasting, especially when you run a hitch with only seven horses (enough to hook the six plus a spare). But with help from the draft horse community, we rallied.

So what do these ribbons represent? Perseverance. Determination. Hard work. Community. They represent every hand that was lent to us, every piece of advice that was given, and every sacrifice that was made. They represent a family that is so damn proud of all of our accomplishments. They represent the little hobby hitch that could.

As we turn the page on 2022, we wish you nothing but the very best. May all of your dreams and goals come true.

Showing at The Royal was possible due to the kindness and generosity of Mr. Wishe Bush. We are forever grateful.

We are only able to do what we do because of our amazing crew. From the time the shoes go on straight through to the last fair, you are by our side. We are eternally grateful to Madeline & Paul, Mark Leslie Hamilton, Stephanie Denofrio-Findlay, The McCord Boys, Dave & Barb Markell Findlay, Justin Shaw, Lindsay Fraser, and everyone else who lends a hand here and there.

Greg, Sarah, Jacob, Bradley & Hank 🐾

"Showing horses isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle."

📷: Howard Schatzberg Photography, Courtney Williams Photography, Janine Adams Designs

It’s been a ride so far at the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair! We could not be more proud of how the boys are working together and driving hard.

The Percheron Six-Horse Hitch goes tonight at 7:35. You can watch live at https://royalfair.mediafusionapp.com/_RoyalPPV/login.php?packageId=157169a67d1663694403&view=live

Earlier this summer, Greg became a podcaster. He joined Mark Hochstetler and Kyle Forsyth to talk everything draft horse north of the border on the Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series REDRIVE.

When asked about mentors, he credits much of his success to the late Stewart Crabb who was always willing to provide tips and guidance, even as a fellow competitor. He also appreciated the opportunities that Lawrence & Chris Kelly gave him growing up, including driving the youth class at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and Justin Shaw for taking him under his wing when he was ready to change up how the hitch was being shod.

Greg also talked about how fortunate we are to have access to the number of shows in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. From good rings to hospitality, we can go to 15 or more shows and never travel more than four hours.

His main message was, "go somewhere you've never gone before. Show against a group you've never shown against. See where you stand and see where you can change. There is nothing wrong with going away, getting beat, and learning something."

*Interview starts at the 34 minute mark*

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/46-go-somewhere-youve-never-gone-greg-bourbonnais/id1550486398?i=1000577171440

‎The Classic Series Redrive on Apple Podcasts ‎Sports · 2022

The trailer is packed. Harness and wagon polished. Horses ready to go.

Wishing our fellow qualifiers the best of luck this weekend at the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Finals. It’s going to be a great showdown.

📣2022 Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Finals Qualifier Spotlight📣

Pana-Len Percherons
Greg & Paul Bourbonnais
Metcalfe, ON
35 Points

Join us on Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 pm as the best four-horse hitches from across the province will compete for the title of champion at the Triple Crown Draft Classic.

A special thank you to our title sponsors, Natures Wave Inc. in memory of Steve Zehr & Allanholme Farms.

Congratulations to the top exhibitors and good luck in the finals.

*In the event one or more of the top 10 Series Qualifiers is not able to attend the finals, one reserve will be invited to participate.

📷 Courtney Williams Photography

We are proud to be one of the top 10 qualifiers in the inaugural Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series. The finals are taking place at the Triple Crown Draft Classic next Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 pm.

Good luck to all!

Are you ready??? The points have been tallied and invitations extended to the 2022 Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series Finalists.

Join us on Saturday, October 29 at 1:00 pm as the best four-horse hitches from across the province will compete for the title of champion at the Triple Crown Draft Classic.

Congratulations to the top exhibitors and good luck in the finals.

-Grier Family Percherons, Todd & Kathy Grier
-Allanholme Farm, John & Joanne Kennelly-Borer
-Hyjack, Peter & Laura Maher
-Pana-Len Percherons, Greg & Paul Bourbonnais
-Peak & Valley Farm, Dave & Erika Zister
-Ferme Sylver, Mario Nadeau
-Stocrest Percherons, Bill & Mike Stokes
-McLaughlin Clydesdales, Ray & Amber Heatlie-McLaughlin
-Harvest Hill Belgians, Sharon Chris Kelly
-Dominion Farms, Manuel & Maria Tavares
-(R) Maple Lane Belgians, Rusty McArthur*

A special thank you to our title sponsors, Natures Wave Inc. in honour of Steve Zehr & Allanholme Farms. We are grateful for the Triple Crown Draft Classic for hosting this prestige event.

*In the event one or more of the top 10 Series Qualifiers is not able to attend the finals, one reserve will be invited to participate.

To commemorate the patriarchs of Pana-Len Percherons on their 50th anniversary, we surprised EVERYONE at Paul & Madeline's party and did a little hitching of our own.

We could think of no better way to honour two of our biggest fans. It was a celebration of love, commitment, friendship, family, and of two people who are following in the footsteps of both Paul and Madeline

50 years of marriage. Two loved children. Four even more loved grandchildren. Wonderful memories. Many blessings. More to come.



📷 Jennifer Pershick - Graphic Design Fine Art Photography

The fall fair season is in full swing and we've had a great one so far. The best part? It's not over yet.

Up next:

Metcalfe Fair - September 30 & October 1
Triple Crown Draft Classic - October 28 - 30
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair - November 6 - 13

Sometimes it's more than just the horses we need to "dress" before hitting the ring, right Triple Crown Draft Classic?!

📷Courtney Williams Photography

Headed to our first Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series show tomorrow! You'll find us at the Lansdowne Fair. Our third show of the summer.

Here we go!👏

Lansdowne Fair marks our first qualifying show of the Ontario Four Horse Hitch Series. Hitching starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 16 in front of the grandstand. C'mon out to as members compete for the first points of the Series.

View the Series full schedule here: drafthitchseries.com/show-schedule/

From good weather to good people to good drives, we couldn’t have asked for anything more last weekend. A huge shoutout to Scott McClintock and all of the Livestock Breeders Association volunteers for a great Ormstown Fair comeback after a two-year hiatus.

We’re also grateful for getting to spend the weekend with our newest honourary crew member, Talen. This young man reminded us of the true meaning of kindness. Never stop being you, Talen! Your spirit is infectious.

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” ~Rabbi Harold Kushner

We’re ready to do it again today here in Ormstown.

6-Horse Hitch 🤠

We'll be tumbling into Livestock Breeders Association next weekend in style thanks to Steadholm Creations.

It was so much fun working with Tracey Stead. She gave us options and tailored a design. Super service!

And completed!!

Well, she may not want the attention but we think she deserves it! May the fourth be with you today and always Grandma Betty Madge Madeline Bourbonnais! We are so grateful for all you do for us. We're lucky to have you...and your cookies.

Love,
2269

pana-len.com

This☀️has us itching for some action! A sure sign show season is just around the corner.

pana-len.com

📷: Courtney Williams Photography

Drive on 2022. Drive on.

A new year means a new season. May it be filled with grand adventures and opportunities. Whatever your show goals are, we wish you nothing but the very best. Wishing each of you a fresh start with renewed energy throughout the year.

If all that glitters is gold, then our crew is golden. We are only able to show because of our steadfast family and crew. From the time the shoes go on straight through to the last fair, you are by our side giving it 💯. We are eternally grateful to Madeline & Paul, Mark Leslie Hamilton, Stephanie Denofrio-Findlay, and everyone else who lends a hand here and there. Here’s to making more cherished memories in 2022!

Greg, Sarah, Jacob & Bradley

“Showing horses isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.”

📷 Courtney Williams Photography

A moving tribute to one of the greatest ambassadors of the draft horse industry. Our hearts continue to be with the Honsberger family.

Rest easy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDmI0xo1X0c

Larry Honsberger Memorial 1948 - 2021

Show number two is in the books! We're grateful for the Shawville Fair Directors who negotiated with Mother Nature and brought on the sunshine just in time for the six! Andie McLaughin and Piper Heatlie join us on the wagon to present the Claude M Young Memorial Trophy in memory of their great-grandfather, JohnJanice Heatlie's father, while a few Shawville Fair Past Presidents are on hand for the winning six-horse hitch award.

See you next weekend at the Renfrew Fair!

Past presidents trophy for the winning entry for the 6-horse hitch🎡

Wishing good drives, good weather, and good times to everyone at the Essa National Draft Horse Show today.

September marks the start of our fall show season! Look for us at the Shawville Fair this Sunday. Hitches will hit the ring at 1:00 pm.

📷 Courtney Williams Photography

Celebrating this crew member today! Don’t stress too much Hank!