Siskiyou Percherons started in the 1970’s, when Clarence Dudley imported two French stallions, Quartetto and Rabelais. Clarence’s passion for the breed was quite obvious to those who knew him, and he always strived to improve both the breed and the association. Clarence’s other passion was education. He founded and was president of the Percheron Horse Association of America Education Fund until just a few short years prior to his death in 2005.
Clarence’s grandson, Jeff Fowle, and Jeff’s wife, Erin, are continuing with Clarence’s love and passion for the Percheron Draft Horse. Involved since 1996, Jeff and Erin have remained in the breeding of Percherons with close French lineage to help maintain the style of substance of the original Percheron horses. The goal of the breeding program is to provide quality Percherons who have kind dispositions to those wishing to drive or ride. Siskiyou Percherons also helps buyers find horses, such as draft teams.
In addition to the Percherons, Jeff and Erin are also the owners of KK Bar Ranch. The ranch predominately raises registered Black Angus cattle, but a few Horned Hereford cows can still be found around the barn! The top bulls are sold each November at the Shasta Bull sale held in Cottonwood, CA; a few females are always available as well.
Both Jeff and Erin are active in their community. As agriculture teachers at Etna High School, they are involved in the local FFA, helping build future leaders and advocates of agriculture. Activities include an annual dinner auction, which raises funds for students to travel, and numerous of leadership/judging contests throughout the north state. Additionally, students travel to the state FFA finals in both Fresno and San Luis Obispo. Erin, for several years, was the co-leader for the Etna 4H horse group, and Jeff continues on as the 4H livestock judging coach. Both also hold leadership roles on a larger scale: Erin is the past president of the Siskiyou County CattleWomen, and Jeff sits on the board for the county Farm Bureau. Additionally, Jeff represents agriculture at the state level each year. Erin and Jeff were also officers for the Scott Valley Pleasure Park for several years.
In 2006, Jeff and Erin were pleased to add Kyle Sackett Fowle to their family. At just 8 months of age, Kyle showed his love of the horses with his huge grins and his desire to bury his face into their manes! His “riding” horse is his mother’s Thoroughbred mare, Taro, who has a world of patience to pack around the little guy!
