Camargue Horse

Little is known about the provenance of the Camargue although it has existed in the marshlands of the Rhone delta, southern France, for centuries.

Some speculate its ancestor was the prehistoric Solutré horse that inhabited the region long before its extinction, and that it has since descended from breeds including the Arabian, Thoroughbred and Barb. Others recognise a likeness to the Chilean horse and Criollo, a horse native to Uruguay with a similar conformation.

A breed of old, the Camargue has always been utilised in farm and herding work, helping to round up cattle for the Camargue cowboys that remain in the region. Primarily bred for its hardiness and dexterity, the Camargue boasts a rugged and tender appearance, with a height ranging between 13-14 hands.

The Camargue is always grey due to having black skin beneath a white coat. The mane and tail are both thick and the legs are visibly strong despite being shorter than average.

Did you know..?

The romantic image we often see of horses galloping through water is based on Camargue horses of the Rhone delta.