Today, we are going to be talking about the Freiberger Horse.
This horse is a versatile breed that is used for many different purposes.
They are known for their good temperament, and they can be used for everything from pleasure riding to low level show jumping.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of the Freiberger horses, their characteristics, and history.
Let’s get started!
Freiberger Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Freiberger:
| Height (size) | 14.3 – 15.2 hands high |
| Colors | Black, bay, chestnut, but gray is also seen |
| Country of Origin | Switzerland |
| Common Uses | General riding, recreational harness driving, sport, trick riding, equine therapy |
Freiberger Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Freiberger is the only native Swiss horse breed, and as such, it is considered part of Swiss national heritage.
It emerged around 200 years ago in Switzerland’s Jura mountains.
The Swiss National Stud Farm (SNSF) in Avenches is in charge of conservation and promotion of the breed. They also conduct annual “station testing”.
After being selected based on their conformation and overall looks, the best horses are then taken to Avenches for 40 days for further evaluations of their riding and driving abilities.
Only the best Freibergers are selected as breeding stock in order to assure the breeds long term future success.
Equine ethology, or the study of horse psychology and behavior, is a big area of research for the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).
Freiberger can either be classified as a heavy warmblood or a light coldblood.
In the 19th century, the local Jura horses were crossed with Arabians, Anglo-Norman horses, Thoroughbreds, Bretons, and Comtois horses, as well as Belgian Drafts, in order to create a hardy mountain horse that would be suitable to work on small regional farms.
The Swiss army used the breed as a packhorse and artillery draft horse.
Two primary types emerged in the early 20th century: a lighter, smaller type more suitable for riding, and a larger, heavier type suitable for draft work.
Although the World Wars, as well as the mechanization of agriculture and transportation in the 20th century, took their toll on the Freiberger, in the 1960s and 1970s, it found a new function as a heavier all-purpose riding horse.
Later, Swedish Warmblood blood was introduced, and the lighter type that resulted became more and more popular.
Today, the Freiberger is only bred at the Swiss National Stud Farm in Avenches, where strict requirements ensure that only the finest mares and stallions are used for breeding.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Franche-Montagnes”
Temperament/Personality
Gentle, adaptable, easy to train
Physical Characteristics
The head is expressive and noble, with big eyes.
The neck is strong and well-set.
The withers are defined, and the chest is broad and deep.
The shoulders are sloping and long. The back is short.
The hindquarters are strong and long, and legs are well-proportioned with solid joints and strong hooves.
Two types exist: riding type and driving type. It is a mid-sized breed with a powerful, but refined build.
Colors
Black, bay, chestnut, but gray is also seen
Height (size)
14.3 – 15.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,300 lbs (600 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
General riding, recreational harness driving, sport, trick riding, equine therapy
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Active and dynamic gaits
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Switzerland
Ancestors
Native Jura horse, Arabian, Anglo-Norman, Thoroughbred, Breton, Comtois, Belgian Draft, later Swedish Warmblood