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The Camargue ponies are from the Rhone delta of Southern
France and are an ancient breed, thought to be descendants of the
prehistoric Solutrč horse. They display some characteristics of the horses
depicted in the Lascaux cave drawings dating back to 15,000 B.C., especially
in the shape of their heads. They were influenced by the Barb horses brought
over during Moorish invasions in the 7th to 8th centuries, but have since
remained unchanged due to the geographical isolation of their natural
habitat. The Camargue lives in feral herds on the swampy
marshland of the Rhone delta, where they live a harsh existence. They
survive on salty reeds and rough grass and rarely receive supplementary
food. The area is subjected to extremes of climate, and these environmental
factors have contributed immensely toward their incredible toughness and
hardiness.
These ponies are mostly used by the Camargue
cowboys, also known as guardians, for working the wild black bulls of the area,
which are commonly used in local bullfights. The horses are also used as
pack ponies and as tourist trekking ponies. In spite of the breed's history,
the Camargue pony did not receive official recognition until 1968 when their
association was formed. Since that time, regular stallion inspections take
place. They characteristically have a large and heavy head
with pronounced jaws, an extremely short neck, and a fairly upright
shoulder. The conformation of their shoulders allows for a good high- stepping
walk, but the trot is very stilted and rarely used. They have a good
free-flowing canter and gallop. Often they exhibit a short, strong back,
with a sloping croup and a low-set tail. Their legs are strong and muscular
with very hard hooves. They are quite heavy in frame with a good depth of
girth and a very powerful build. Agile and athletic, they have a good
temperament, and tend to be extremely bold. The Camargue is slow to develop,
not reaching maturity until five or six years of age, but is also lives for
a very long time. The foals are born dark and lighten with age - nearly all
adult Camargue ponies are gray and are branded with the breed brand, which
is a 'C' in a shield. They can stand up to 14 hands high.
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