The Camargue horse is probably one of the most famous semi-feral horses in the world. Several herds live in the expanses of the Camargue in southern France, where they enjoy their freedom in swampy areas. The fact that the horses survived under the harsh conditions is mainly due to their frugal, resilient, and robust nature.
Before the white horses inhabited the Camargue, they were mainly used for herding cattle. The work with the cattle was particularly important. As keepers, the horses had to be courageous and have strong nerves – nothing was allowed to upset them so easily. Camargue horses have retained these characteristics to this day, as well as their agility and impressive endurance.
In addition to these characteristics, the Camargue horses are very relaxed, but can be agile, lively and willing to perform under the saddle. Animals of this breed are therefore popular as friendly and uncomplicated dependable horses, especially among recreational riders.
The horses are easy to keep because they have become extremely tough and adaptable through life in the swampy areas. Camargue horses are late-growing and are often not considered fully grown until they are seven or eight years old. But they often get older than their fellow breeds. Camargue horses are hardly susceptible to diseases.
History of the Camargue Horse
Where the Camargue horses come from has not been finally clarified to this day. What is certain, however, is that the white horses of France already existed in Caesar’s time – and Caesar is said to have been so enthusiastic about the ancestors of the Camargue horses that he had them bred himself. Over the coming centuries, Camargue horses were bred again and again, sometimes they were crossed with Berbers and other oriental horse breeds.
In the past, the Camargue horses were used especially as guardians – i.e. as guardians – of herds of fighting bulls. Their natural cow sense – ability to attune to cattle – coupled with their brave and hardy nature made them ideal horses for cattle work. In addition, they were often used as work and pack animals.
When working horses were used less and less and the horse did not play a major role as a leisure companion, Camargue breeding became less important. Some animals were left to their own fate and went wild in the vastness of the Camargue. These horses soon gave rise to several herds that live as semi-wild animals in the Camargue swamps. Over the years, the horses have adapted to the harsh conditions of Provence and in the process have learned a special ability: they can close their nostrils to feed underwater.
A breed standard was established for the first time in 1976. The studbook followed two years later. In the meantime, there are also breeders of white horses in Germany, although only animals that were born outdoors in southern France are allowed to bear the title Camargue. If the horse is from an area other than the south of France, the papers will state Hors Berceau, meaning ‘out of the cradle’.
Interesting and worth knowing
Well-known Camargue horses
The idyllic image of the Camargue horses is conveyed in the French short film “The White Stallion” (original title: Crin-Blanc). The film is about a wild herd of white horses living free in the Camargue when ranchers decide to capture and tame them. The humans do not succeed in breaking one of the stallions. They release him, but at the same time declare him outlawed. Fisher boy Folco makes it his mission to find and befriend the white stallion. He succeeds, to the displeasure of the ranchers. Folco and the white stallion go looking for a better place together.
