Our Team
Our team is made up of four members, two humans and two horses. Every member of this team is integral to you having an amazing experience on our farm and with our horses. Read below to meet who we are.
Paul Ruta, OwnerFor thirty lucky years, Paul has enjoyed the company of horses. They're beautiful, smart, move like the wind, and smell good. His first horse was a chestnut Morgan who carried him around the hills and backroads of Vermont. He pulled out his family's firewood and skidded cedar posts for his fledgling business. Over the decades draft horses were bought, traded, and rented to log with the big guys. Working in a softwood forest in the winter with the steaming, furry beasts is about as good as it gets for Paul. Eventually, Paul was introduced to sleigh and carriage rides. He loves showing off his great horses.
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Anthony Butts, ForemanAnthony wears the hat of foreman for Paul's Percheron's. He was hired on to take care of the barn chores but quickly wanted to harness, hitch, and drive horses. This is his second winter assisting with sleigh rides. He helps get in firewood with the horses and is good at taking pictures of guests while they are in the sleigh or on the back of the big guys. One of his tasks is exercising Babe and Midnight by taking them for a ride.
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BabeThough Babe is a stunning white, she is what is known as a Grey Percheron. She is an thirteen year old mare (female) who stands 16.2 hands tall. She has been working with Paul since she was four years old.
Always quiet, friendly, and great under saddle, Babe is on the off side and truly is the foundation to our business. She can be ridden, she can pull a sleigh or carriage, and she loves to pull logs. Babe is hands down one of the best horses Paul has ever worked with. |
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About Percheron Horses
Percheron is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Huisne Valley in western France, which was part of the former Perche province. Usually gray or black in color, percherons are well muscled and known for their intelligence and willingness to work. Exports of percherons from France to the United States rose in the late 19th century. Purebred percherons are used for forestry work and pulling carriages and sleighs as well as work under the saddle, including show jumping.
Our Location
We are located just outside of downtown Cabot, Vermont, on a rustic farm. See the photos to the left for photos from our home.