Because of many years out in tough environment, Camargues have become well-adpated to many difficult living conditions, including biting pests, humid summers, bitter winters, and though, salty forage, which even then is usually sparse. Even their robust exterior and wide hooves is a result of the wetlands where they have lived for centuries.
Camargues have been toughened by the rough environment they live in. Some distinct features are: the large head, the short neck the stocky, compact body; the wide hooves, the thick legs, and the heavy mane and tail. Their teeth are also adapted for eating tough marsh grass, which most horses cannot digest. (credit) |
Even though the Camargue still runs wild in the marshes of the Camargue Regional Park in the early part of its life, their breeding is overseen by the Biological Research Station of the Tour du Valat. In 1976, the French government began to register the main breeders and set standards for breeding. Two years later, the breed's studbook was set up. In order to be registered, a foal must fit the following criteria: it must be born outside, not in a stable, and it must be seen suckling from a registered mare. Foal are either labelled as sous berceau(in birthplace), meaning that they were born in the Camargue region, or hors berceau(out of birthplace), meaning that they were not born in the Camargue region.
Camargue foals are born dark and lighten as they age, finally becoming grey, like the one above.(credit) |
They are also ridden in parades and regional gardian races and are used in dressage, long-distance racing, driving, games(such as gymkhana) and other equestrian pursuits.
I looooooooove these horses.
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