Freiberger
Freiberger stallion
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| Country of origin | Switzerland |
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The Freiberger, also known as Franches-Montagnes, is a horse breed from Switzerland, from the Jura region, described as either a "heavy warmblood" or a "light coldblood". It was widely used as draft and pack horse in the Swiss army. It has a good disposition and is versatile, suitable for both driving and riding. Each year at the Marché Concours in Saignelégier in the Franches-Montagnes district of the Swiss canton of Jura, on the second weekend in August, a variety of shows and competitions are held.
The presence of an autochthonous horse breed in the Jura traces to the year 1619. The modern breed developed during the 19th century when these native horses were crossed with Thoroughbreds, Anglo-Norman horses, Ardennais and Arabians.Valliant, a crossbred horse of Norfolk Roadster, Anglo-Norman horse, and some field hunter breeding, was one of the breed. Another stallion with Norman ancestry who contributed to the breed was named Urus.
By the early 19th century, there were active breeders in the district of Franches-Montagnes. In 1817, there were 4,000 breeding mares on record. The horses were bred for use in agriculture and by the army as pack animals and artillery draft horses. There are records of imports of Anglo-Norman horses for the year 1821, and of other horses from England, France, Hannover and Oldenburg for the year 1830, with the goal to overcome the faults of the landrace breed, which was viewed as inferior due to its heavy and thick head, short neck and sloping rump, though its frame was considered excellent.
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