Farm animal genetic resources in Switzerland
Freiberger
The Freiberger stallion Navarino is Stallion of the Year 2019 (Martin Rindlisbacher)
Origin and development
Switzerland’s only local horse breed is found in the Swiss Jura region and particularly in the Franches-Montagnes plateau. The ancestor of today’s Freiberger is the Jura horse, a hardy, frugal, sure-footed and docile mountain horse. Freiberger breeding began with the definition of breeding objectives in 1904. During the 20th century, they were cross-bred first with draught and later with thoroughbred stallions. Since 1998, the Freiberger herdbook has been closed and cross-breeding no longer occurs. Since 2006, breeding values have been estimated and published annually for exterior traits (appearance), drive- and rideability, and white markings.
Description
Freiberger are light draught horses with a fox-coloured, brown or black coat. They often have a white blaze and pasterns (white markings). They are versatile animals, notable for their reliability and their companionable, calm and even-tempered nature. The Freiberger has a withers height of 150–160 cm, weighs 550–650 kg and has a sure-footed and spirited gait. 32
