These are semi-wild horses that inhabit France.
On the Mediterranean coast, in the delta of the Rhône River, lies the sparsely populated area of Camargue, covering an area of about 800 km². This nature reserve includes lagoons, islands, channels, salt marshes, and swamps.
The indigenous inhabitants of these wastelands are compact, stocky pale-gray Camargue horses that lead a semi-wild lifestyle. Experts believe that the prehistoric roots of this breed are evidenced by rock paintings of horses in the famous Lascaux cave, created about 15,000 years BC, as well as fossil remains, likely of their ancestors, found during excavations on Mount Solutré in Burgundy.
Camargue horses have a rather primitive exterior: a massive head, short neck, shoulders and back, muscular hindquarters, powerful legs with wide wrists, and very sturdy hooves. Their height at the withers is 135–145 cm. Camargue herds, called manadas, are monitored by the biological research station Tour du Valat. They are periodically gathered for veterinary examinations, branding of young stock, selection of breeding individuals, and castration of cull stallions. At birth, they are either black or bay, but over time they become so pale gray that in certain lighting they appear white.
Camargue horses have become an integral part of the local population's life. Mounted herders, known as gardians, use these strong horses to manage herds of black bulls raised for traditional Camargue bullfights, which begin in the early days of May.
Enterprising farmers have found another use for the calm but agile Camargue horses, training them for horseback riding for tourists wishing to enjoy the wilderness. These hardy animals do not disappoint: although Camargue horses are not very suited for trotting, their gallop is smooth, and they easily carry a rider. The surrounding marshy terrain with its harsh winds and winter saltwater has formed a truly robust breed. Locals call them “sea horses.”
