The Freiberger originates in the historic Jura region of Switzerland; use of horses in agricultural work and as post-horses is documented there from about 1620.

There were imports of Anglo-Normans in 1821, and of Hanoverian, Oldenburger and other horses from England and France in 1830, all with the aim of correcting the perceived faults of the native breed – a heavy head, a short neck and a sloping croup – although its overall build was considered good.

[10]: 33  The Marché-Concours des Chevaux in Saignelégier, a combined show, race and market dedicated to the breed, has been held annually since 1897.

[14] In the same year a breed association, the Schweizerischer Freibergerverband or Fédération suisse d’élevage du cheval de la race des Franches-Montagnes, was established.

[15] Although the Freiberger breed is not at risk, with an estimated total population in 2017 of about 30000, of which approximately 25000 were in Switzerland, the original type – those with 2% or less of foreign blood – is endangered.

[16]: 299  In 2003 a conservation programme for the original type was established by the interest group, in collaboration with ProSpecieRara and with the Haras National Suisse [fr] at Avenches.