Mary Allen
The Camargue horse is a compact, powerful horse that usually appears in a brilliant white. His back is short and very well muscled. The croup is sloping and the tail is set low. The head is large and the neck short and muscled. The Camargue horse has a steep shoulder and a deep chest.
Breed Characteristics and Appearance
The Camargue horse – what kind of breed is it?
The Camargue horse is one of the small horses.
What is special about a Camargue horse?
Camargue horses are very frugal, robust, and persistent small horses. They have lived as semi-wild herds in the Rhone Delta for centuries.
How big is a Camargue horse?
These horses can reach heights between 1.35 m and 1.50 m.
What is the life expectancy of a Camargue horse?
Camargue horses can live between 20 and 30 years. Keeping, feeding and the state of health are influencing factors that affect life expectancy.
What coat colors are there in the Camargue horse?
Camargue horses are born as black or dark brown foals. Only over the years does their fur turn white and shiny. This process can take up to four years, or even longer, to complete.
Traits of Temperament
Are Camargue horses also suitable for beginners?
Should you choose this breed, you can find a reliable horse to rely on in these horses. However, if you are very unsure at the beginning, it is best to seek advice and support from a horse trainer. After all, every horse is an individual and there can be exceptions for this breed as well.
Which behavior and character traits characterize a Camargue horse?
Camargue horses are people-oriented, robust, tough, persistent, smart, and brave. You can use them in many ways. However, they can also be strong in character, nimble, and full of work zeal.
Origin & History
Where did the Camargue horse originally come from?
Originally the breed comes from the Rhone Delta. How old this breed is, however, cannot be clearly traced back. There is evidence that the breed has been known since Caesar’s time. In the course of time, other breeds were crossed again and again, e.g. B. Berbers. In the meantime, however, these horses also lived again and again without human influence. Even today, only horses born in the Camargue or neighboring areas are allowed to call themselves Camargue horses. Horses that were born elsewhere are given the addition “Camargue Hors Berceau”, which means “born outside of the cradle”.
What were Camargue horses bred for?
Camargue horses originally served the Guardian, a mounted bull keeper, as workhorses in the Camargue in southern France.
Care, Health, Diseases
What should you watch out for when caring for a Camargue horse?
A Camargue horse, like other horses, should be brushed regularly. The tail and mane require special care. The regular visits to the vet and the farrier are also part of it.
Are there diseases or hereditary diseases typical of the breed in the Camargue horse?
This breed is considered robust and less susceptible to disease, but only if it is kept robust. Too much and incorrect feed can lead to so-called affluence diseases, such as obesity. A too little exercise can also harm the horse.
Nutrition
What should you watch out for in terms of feeding times and the amount of feed?
Camargue horses are originally used to very poor pastures, wetlands, or reed belts. This means that our present-day, mostly very lush pastures are not suitable as a 24-hour pasture for these horses. Camargue horses also need little or no concentrated feed. High-quality and sufficiently available hay should instead be at the top of the feed plan. In addition, a mineral feed tailored to their needs should be given.
How often should the Camargue horse be fed?
There should be enough hay for the horses. There should not be too long breaks between feedings in order to avoid an idle stomach.
Activities with the Camargue Horse
Which sports are suitable for the Camargue horse?
Camargue horses were originally used to work on cattle herds. Today, however, they are not only used as workhorses but also as riding horses. They are very versatile and can be harnessed to the carriage, ridden in a dressage style, or just out and about in the countryside.
How much exercise does a Camargue horse need?
Since Camargue horses were originally used for cattle labor, work runs in their blood. They need a lot of exercises and want to be kept busy.
Consideration before Purchasing
Where can you buy a Camargue horse?
This breed of horse is mainly bred in the south of France. However, you can also find some breeders in Germany who specialize in this breed. If you don’t want to have a foal or yearling, but rather an adult horse, you can also purchase Camargue horses from private hands.
Where can you find riding participation for a Camargue horse?
Since these horses are versatile, robust, tough, smart, and reliable, it will certainly be easy for you to find riding participation. Because these horses like to work with people and want to be challenged. Your employment opportunities are very broad. For riding participation, there will certainly be something suitable.
Upbringing and Attitude
Is a Camargue horse right for me?
If you are looking for a horse that is particularly robust, persistent, sure-footed, tough, brave and at the same time smart and reliable, the Camargue horse is exactly the right choice. It is also characterized by its human focus, which makes working together a lot of fun. Camargue horses are among the robust horse breeds and originally lived in extensive areas. You, therefore, do not need such lush pastures, which are very common here. You should pay attention to regular grazing time and give your horse enough exercise and exercise.
How do I keep a Camargue horse?
Since this breed is very robust, you should be able to keep such a horse robust. It requires a lot of exercise, whether on a sand court, the paddock, or the pasture. A small box shouldn’t become a permanent residence. The possibility of an open stable would be more appropriate here. Contact with fellow dogs is also very important. Because these horses live and have always lived in larger herds.
How much space does a Camargue horse need?
A Camargue horse needs enough space and exercise. A small box is not enough for this horse. This breed once lived on poor pastures and swamp-like terrain. It should be able to move as much as possible.
How do I transport a Camargue horse?
This breed is not particularly big and neither is it particularly heavy. This means that they can easily be transported with a horse trailer and a simple towing vehicle.
Interesting, Worth Knowing, and Extras
Why are Camargue horses so popular?
Camargue horses are known by their lovers for their courage, endurance, robustness, agility, and surefootedness. They are also very people-oriented and versatile. A true all-rounder for sport and leisure! In addition, they are particularly intelligent and reliable.