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Other Names: Freiberg, Franches Montagnes Origin: Northwestern Switzerland Color: Bay or chestnut. Avg Height: 14.3 to 15.2 hh Avg Weight: 1200 to 1450 lbs |
Build: This breed's mixed ancestry often produces a variation in appearance, but the breed is always compact, well muscled and stocky. The head is neat with a slightly concave profile. The overall look is that of a small cob with clean legs and very few feathers.
Temperament: Intelligent, agile, active and easy to train. It is a very reliable worker and very docile.
Main use: This breed is employed in agriculture, especially in hilly areas, and it is also used by the army for draft, pack, and riding purposes in the mountains. Freibergers are also used often in Therapeutic Riding, since they are so calm with children.
Special abilities: Although the breeding stock shows a high degree of standardization, there is still sufficient variation between the different bloodlines to satisfy individual requirements for horses of a lighter or heavier stamp. The Swiss Government sponsors the care and breeding of these horses.
| History: This breed was developed in Switzerland toward the end of the nineteenth century. Local Jura mares were crossed with stallions of various breeds (notably Anglo-Normans), which were imported from Belgium, England, and France, mainly between 1880 and 1910. From 1910 to 1945 there were no outside crosses, but after World War II Anglo-Normans were used again and some Arab blood was introduced. The Swiss National Stud at Avenches now controls breeding. They use only horses that match the breeders' criteria for a docile, active and reliable horse. |  |
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