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Also known as the
Franches-Montagnes, the Freiberger originated in Switzerland in the Jura
region at the end of the 19th century. The breed developed by crossing the
native Bernese Jura horse with the English Thoroughbred and Anglo-Norman,
and also with the Ardennes and the Arab. There are two distinct types within
the Freiberger breed: a broader, heavier stamp of horse with more muscle
development and a lighter, finer type. Nowadays there is a trend towards
breeding the lighter type, as interest in competitive riding and leisure
riding increases. However, the importance of the old type of Freiberger
should not be overlooked, and this is why the Freiberger is included in the
Draft section rather than the Light Horse section.
These days found in Italy as
well as all over Europe, the Freiberger is a highly versatile horse, used
for light draft, farm work, riding, and competitive riding. They are a
mountain horse and do very well in hilly and mountainous areas, being
naturally surefooted and tough and, in many cases, far better equipped for
working this type of land than a tractor. They were widely used by the
upland farmers of the Jura region and are also popular with the Swiss Army,
who favor them as pack animals and for use during patrols. Many Freibergers
trace back to one stallion, called Valliant, who had a mix of Norfolk
Roadster, Anglo-Norman, and English Hunter blood in him. Another influential
stallion was Urus, who also contained Norman blood. They are bred at the
Avenches stud, the Federal stud, where their breeding is strictly regulated.
They mature quickly into well-balanced, active, and calm animals. This makes
them easy work companions.
Typically, they have a heavy,
although small, head with a pronounced jaw line and a broad forehead. The
neck should be arched and muscular, with a good sloping shoulder, broad and
pronounced withers, and a straight and powerful back. They invariably have
good clean legs, strong joints, and hard feet. Traditionally, they have a
very small amount of feathering at the fetlock, although modern breeding has
largely bred this out and they also have a somewhat finer head now, which
sometimes shows Arabian character in the facial expressions.
Characteristically, they are only bay or chestnut, and stand between 14.3
and 15.3 hh.
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