Camargue horse

Overall description of the breed

The Camargue horse is an iconic breed of small saddle horses, known for their hardiness and grey coat. Originating from the Camargue region in the south of France, these horses primarily roam the Rhône Delta, in the departments of Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône. They traditionally live freely in the marshes of this region. The origin of this breed remains largely mysterious, although it is considered one of the oldest in the world.

The first mentions of the Camargue horse date back to Roman antiquity. Over the centuries, they were occasionally used as pack and war horses until the 12th century. Traditionally, the inhabitants of the Camargue used these horses for various utilitarian tasks. They employed them to thresh grain, pull carts, and work with livestock before releasing them back into semi-freedom. Despite several breeding programs established by the national stud farms to increase their size and make them war horses, these initiatives generally failed.

In the early 20th century, the Camargue horse experienced a period of decline. However, it is now recognized as a saddle horse breed by the French national stud farms. Today, it is a strong symbol of its region of origin, alongside the Camargue bull and the flamingo. Raised in semi-freedom in herds, it is the exclusive mount of the gardians, the region's cattle herders, who use it for livestock work and during many popular festivals. The notoriety of the Camargue horse has also increased thanks to Camargue riding and its strong image of tradition and freedom, perpetuated in arts and literature, notably through the story of "Crin-Blanc."

Physically, the Camargue horse is small, averaging between 13.3 and 14.3 hands (55 to 59 inches) at the withers. It has a robust build with a square head, thick neck, deep chest, and sturdy limbs. Its coat is always grey, but foals are often born black or bay before turning grey as they mature.

In terms of health, the Camargue horse is renowned for its hardiness and resilience. Living in often challenging conditions, it has developed a strong resistance to diseases and adverse weather. Its longevity is also notable, with a life expectancy exceeding 25 years.

The temperament of the Camargue horse is equally remarkable. It is known for its courage, tenacity, and intelligence. Docile and easy to train, it exhibits a calm and willing temperament, making it an ideal mount for various activities, from working with livestock to leisure riding.

The training and education of the Camargue horse are relatively easy due to its docile and intelligent nature. Young horses are often raised in semi-freedom, allowing them to develop their endurance and agility. When ready for training, they quickly learn basic commands and adapt well to various equestrian disciplines.

In terms of measurements, the Camargue horse weighs between 660 and 880 pounds (300 to 400 kg). This robustness, combined with their small size, makes them extremely agile and capable of navigating the marshy terrains of their native region.

The Association des Éleveurs de Chevaux de Race Camargue (AECRC) is the official organization that manages the breed's studbook. Officially recognized by the French national stud farms, the Camargue horse also enjoys international recognition. This breed is listed in the registry of equine breeds recognized by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and other global organizations.

In summary, the Camargue horse is an ancient and hardy breed, perfectly adapted to its environment. Its small size, robustness, and docile nature make it a prized mount for both work and leisure. Raised in semi-freedom, it is a living symbol of the tradition and culture of the Camargue region.