Grey horse running through salty water. Its hooves churn up white foam, and its mane flutters in the wind. This is the camargue, the ghost of the Rhone delta. For centuries, these sturdy, short horses have lived on the edge of land and sea in the French region of Camargue. They have become symbols of Provence like lavender and cypresses. But their existence today depends on humans. How do these semi-wild creatures live? And what is being done to protect them? We tell the story of horses that do not drink fresh water, but graze among salt and wind.

Who are the Camargue horses

The Camargue horse is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe. Scientists believe that their ancestors lived here since prehistoric times. These are low-growing horses (1.35-1.50 m at the withers), stocky, with a large head and a thick mane. A unique feature is their color: foals are born black or dark bay, and by the age of 4-7 years become gray, then white. This whiteness helps them reflect sunlight in the hot climate. Camargue horses live in herds (from 10 to 50 heads) over an area of 85,000 hectares — in the delta of the Rhone River, where fresh and salt water mix. They are incredibly hardy: they can go for a long time without fresh water, eat tough saltbush, withstand mosquitoes and heat.

History and status

For thousands of years, Camargue horses were wild. They were used by local residents (gauchos) for grazing livestock, riding, and traditional bullfighting. In the 20th century, the breed was threatened by the mechanization of agriculture and the drainage of marshes. In 1970, the Regional Natural Park of Camargue (Parc naturel régional de Camargue) was created, where horses were given a protected territory. Today, purebred Camargue horses are under state protection. They are not considered completely wild, but neither are they domesticated in the usual sense. They are semi-wild horses that live freely but are periodically rounded up for examination, vaccination, and the selection of stallions for sale.

Population management: balancing tradition and science

The Camargue horse population is monitored by the "Biological Station of Tour du Valat" and the "Syndicat d'Elevage du Cheval Camargue" association. Every autumn, an "abrivado" is conducted — rounding up horses into special corrals. There, colts are branded, veterinary examinations are conducted, and stallions for breeding are selected. Some of the young are sold at auctions. The goal is to maintain a population of about 4,000-5,000 heads and avoid inbreeding. Unlike in the United States, where mustangs are rounded up by helicopters, here humane methods of rounding up on horses are used. Also, natural regulation is applied: in dry years, some colts die of hunger — it is cruel, but it corresponds to the principles of the reserve.

Threats: climate, tourism, and people

Despite protection, Camargue horses face challenges. Climate change: rising sea levels threaten to desalinate part of the delta. Droughts reduce pastures. Tourism: crowds of tourists in jeeps and quad bikes scare horses, disturb their peace, especially during the breeding season (spring). Conflict with agriculture: local farmers consider horses competitors for land. Although Camargue horses graze where cows cannot survive, disputes sometimes escalate into shooting (illegal). Finally, a genetic problem: crossbreeding with other breeds (Arab, Andalusian) to increase growth leads to the loss of purity of the breed. Therefore, there is a strict ban on bringing in other horses to the park.

Protection measures: law and practice

Camargue horses are protected at several levels: national (France) and European (Natura 2000). The Camargue Park is on the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Rules: it is forbidden to disturb horses from March to June (calving and raising foals). It is forbidden to feed them (makes them dependent). An "ecological shepherd" program has been introduced — specially trained people monitor the condition of herds. A code of conduct for tourists has been developed (do not leave the trail, do not approach within 50 meters). In 2025, a project to install camera traps for monitoring and scaring away poachers was launched. Real sentences are imposed for the killing of a Camargue horse.

The role of gauchos and traditions

Local riders — "gauchos" (gardians) — have lived side by side with these horses for centuries. They graze bulls, participate in festivals, and also help in counting the population. Without their knowledge, Camargue horses could not survive. Traditions: every May 1, the St. George's festival is held, where gauchos demonstrate acrobatics on white horses. This cultural connection is an important element of protection: as long as people value Camargue horses as part of their identity, they will protect them. Young people are trained in horseback riding and respect for wildlife.

Ecotourism as a means of protection

Observing Camargue horses has become the hallmark of Provence. Tours with guides, photo safaris (without leaving the car) are offered to tourists. Properly organized ecotourism provides money for park maintenance and jobs for local residents, reducing pressure on land use. But it is important to avoid "overexploitation": in 2026, the park introduced quotas on the number of visitors per day in the high season, as well as mandatory advance booking. The proceeds from ecotourism go to veterinary needs and the restoration of wetlands.

The future of Camargue horses

The survival of Camargue horses depends on the management of water resources in the Rhone delta. Opponents of horse breeding claim that they trample the nests of rare birds (flamingos, waders). Supporters counter: horses are an important part of the ecosystem, their hooves loosen the soil, promoting grass growth. In 2026, it is planned to create "corridors" for horses so that they can migrate between different parts of the park, avoiding tourist zones. Scientists are also experimenting with the use of GPS collars on colts for better monitoring. Perhaps in 20 years, Camargue horses will become as numerous as in the 19th century. But for this, willpower and money are needed.

The Camargue is not just a horse breed. It is a living legend. They have seen Romans, Templars, Vandals. They have survived wars and the drainage of marshes. Today, their future is in the hands of those who understand: wild nature is not an enemy of progress, but its necessary complement. If you ever find yourself in the Rhone delta, stop at the edge of a saltwater lake. Look into the distance. Perhaps you will see a herd of white ghosts galloping in the wind. And understand why it is worth fighting for.

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