Meet Ferdinand
Moore County’s Gentle Giant
Welcome to Iron Gate Events, where unforgettable moments begin with a gentle giant.
Ferdinand is our friendly Percheron draft horse-bringing warmth, timeless charm, and a memorable presence to weddings, family celebrations, community events, photo shoots, and local businesses.
Whether you’re planning a special occasion, creating unique photo opportunities, or looking to draw foot traffic and spark conversation around your business, Ferdinand helps turn ordinary events into memorable experiences.
Meet & greet packages begin at $300 for the first hour with $100 for each additional hour . Engagements require a 1-hour minimum and a 4-hour maximum per horse, per day, in alignment with humane workload and safety standards.
Depending on your event, meet-and-greets may include:
Photo opportunities
Petting and feeding
Short hand-led rides (when appropriate)
Consultation required prior to booking.
Wedding and special event packages begin at $1,000. Engagements require a 2-hour minimum and are limited to a 4-hour maximum per horse, per day, in alignment with humane workload and safety standards.
Services may include:
Ceremonial carriage arrivals/exits
Staged appearances
Fine-art photo opportunities.
Currently not booking carriage services.
Photoshoot packages begin at $500 per hour. Sessions require a 1-hour minimum and are limited to a 2-hour maximum per day, in alignment with humane workload standards.
Each session includes one location, one horse, and carriage upon request.
Consultation required prior to booking.
Who is Ferdinand?
Ferdinand is a retired Amish Percheron from Ohio. In 2025, after working over a decade on farms and in the fields, he was brought to auction to make room for younger work horses. At just 12 years old, Ferdinand still has many years ahead of him. Standing at an incredible 19 hands tall and well over 2,000 pounds, he is one of the biggest horses in the world! Now, he's enjoying a well-earned retirement while sharing his gentle nature with his new community here in Moore County, North Carolina. Ferdinand may look like a giant, but behind all that strength is the heart of a butterfly. He loves meeting new people and often times doses off after a few good neck scratches. Whether he's pulling a carriage, posing for photos, or simply greeting guests, Ferdinand has a calm and kind personality that puts people at ease. He can plow fields, drive carriages, is kid-safe and has even been crowned champion in horse shows, earning both Best Western Horse and Overall Showmanship Champion. It would be a shame to keep such a handsome boy hidden away! At Iron Gate Events, we believe unforgettable experiences don't have to be extravagant. Whether you're looking to create memorable photo opportunities, attract foot traffic to your business, or add a one-of-a-kind centerpiece to your wedding, festival, market, or community event, we'd be honored to share Ferdinand with you. You can also see Ferdinand regularly at the Co-op Barn on NC-211 opening this fall. It is a true farm-to-table experience with all organic, local farmers providing fresh meals, live entertainment, and a family friendly environment. Ferdinand will be there weekly to welcome you in! 
Contact Us
Eager to explore a collaboration? Kindly share your details, and we will reach out to you promptly. We look forward to the opportunity to connect.