Horse Breeds: Camargue

Many of the horse breeds still around today are the result of breeding programs. The Camargue is not one of those. The Camargue horse is an ancient breed that has been running around the south of France, specifically the marshy plains of the Rhone delta, since prehistoric times. This is a breed of horse that has developed quite naturally. However, once in a while soldiers passing through would breed their own mounts to the existing Camargue of the area, strengthening the breed and preventing it from dying out altogether.

The Camargue has been ridden, at least traditionally, by the cowboys who look after the feral bulls in the area. These horses still run while across the marshes they call home. They are overseen by the Biological Research Station of la Tour du Valat. The Camargue Regional Park is responsible for caring for and protecting the horses. Each year the horses are rounded up and several stallions are gelded.

The Camargue is a very consistent breed. One horse looks very much like the rest, with a little difference in size and build depending on the gender of the horse you're looking at. They are stocky horses, standing only 13 to 14 hands high, with stout haunches, legs, and hooves. Their heads are large and square and the eyes are flush to the skull. The mane and tail are heavy and give the horse a primitive look. All of these horses are born dark and fade to a light grey as they grow to maturity.

Used today for endurance racing and English sports such as dressage, the Camargue is one of the most evocative and primitive of horses.