The Freiberge region is criss-crossed with cycling paths, yet you are more likely to see horses than other cyclists. And it's not surprising that the horses of the Jura enjoy many special privileges - the proud, half-wild horses of the Freiberge region reflect the spirit of the freedom-loving people of this region. The horses graze in freedom on lush pastures kept in only by the occasional attractive stone wall.
These pasturelands are home to many delightful hiking and cycling trails. The national "Veloland" route 7 www.cycling-in-switzerland.ch , which covers over 275 km between Basel and Nyon, passes right through the middle of the idyllic Freiberge region - a route which is, particularly here, suitable for families (bikes can be rented at every station). You can spend a night with the horses too! Sleep on straw in a barn on one of the region's many farms.
The National Horse Market and Show
The National Horse Market and Show, an annual event during the second week-end of August, takes place in the heart of the wonderful area of the Franches-Montagnes. Many thousands of spectators come each year to enjoy the huge exhibition, the original presentation of horses, the famous folkloric parade, as well as the exclusive rustic horses races. The National Horse Market is also, above all, an intense, colourful festival, an extraordinary summer event. Visitors are warmly welcomed! www.marcheconcours.ch/pages_e/welcome.htm
The Horse of the Franches-Montagnes
The Franches-Montagnes is the last real Swiss horse breed and also the last representative of the Western European light draft breeds (carriage type). Originally this horse came from the cross of Swiss mares with imported stallions, from France mostly, to enhance the breed. Serious breeding began at the end of the 19th century.
The Franches-Montagnes is a horse of medium weight and medium height (150-160 cm at the withers, at 3 years old), usually bay or chestnut with little markings. The cradle of the breed is in the Franches-Montagnes, but the horse is to be found in the whole of Switzerland. Nowadays there are approximately 10,000 such breed horses in Switzerland of which 4,400 are broodmares and 200 breeding stallions, with about 3,000 births a year.
The Franches-Montagnes is originally a very robust horse with a gentle character and bright intelligence. Used to the quite meagre pastures of his region, his upkeep is economical. The breeding objective is to produce an all-around strong horse with correct conformation, swinging gaits and especially an excellent character.
At the beginning, mainly used in agriculture, sylviculture and light drafting, the breed is still used in the military troops as a packhorse to transport loads through the mountains. Nowadays he has become the leisure horse per excellence, very much appreciated for harnessing and outdoors riding. Because of his gentle character, he is perfect for beginners and very much so for equine therapy and western riding. Not only a family horse, he can also become a real champion having already had many victories in competitive, traditional and leisure harnessing/driving. For more information contact: www.fm-ch.ch
Horse Riding in the Swiss Jura - 250 km of marked equestrian paths
An impressive 250km of marked equestrian paths make it possible for you to enjoy the stunning Swiss Jura and the Franche-Montagnes on horseback. Security for horses and riders and quality is given top priority. The gates on the riding paths are modern and allow you and your horse to pass trough without dismounting because the gate closes behind you automatically.
A detailed map 1:50,000 is available at www.juratourisme.ch and it consist of 3 excellent, connected routes with a total of 250km of marked paths. Download a full listing of the members (riding centres) on http://info.noirmont.ch/aref/prestataires.html
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