An emblem of the region
The Camargue horse remains one of the region's most iconic symbols. Smaller in size, foals are born black, brown or dark grey. Their coat lightens over the years, becoming light grey by the age of three (contrary to popular belief, they do not become white, as their skin is black and only their hair turns white as a result of gradual depigmentation). The Camargue horse is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in the world, although its origins remain unknown.
Camargue horses traditionally live freely in the marshes. This breed is known to be one of the most robust as it is perfectly adapted to the extremes of the Mediterranean climate, including strong winds, humidity, bitter cold in winter and intense heat and insects in summer. Hence its nickname: the 'horse made of mistral, salt and courage'. Its light-coloured coat does not attract mosquitoes, and its very resilient skin protects it from insect bites. Nowadays, Camargue horses are raised in semi-freedom in manades (open-air herds of bulls and horses) and are the exclusive mounts of the gardians (herd guardians). Foals are born freely, without human intervention. It is only at around one year old, when they are weaned, that humans begin to approach them to brand them with the farm's mark. The foals then remain free in the pastures for another two years, after which the herdsmen return to collect them and begin the process of breaking them in and training them. Outside of working hours, the horses are released to roam freely.
The small Camargue horse was originally used for agricultural and pastoral activities, particularly threshing the harvest. Its many qualities — manoeuvrability, robustness, endurance, docility, liveliness, agility and courage — make it the ideal companion for herdsmen when it comes to driving and controlling herds of bulls. The horse is also honoured during the many traditional local festivals, in which it participates in equestrian games and parades through the streets, ridden by its herdsman. Interest in the Camargue horse is currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to the development of equestrian tourism. Many stables now offer horse-riding excursions to explore the region. Riding a horse provides a higher vantage point from which to observe nature. Additionally, its scent masks that of humans, making it easier to observe wild animals.
