For centuries, possibly thousands of years,[4] these small horses have lived wild in the harsh environment of the Camargue marshes and wetlands of the Rhône delta, which covers part of the départements of Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône.

[5][dubious – discuss] The Camargue horses were appreciated by the Celtic and Roman invaders who entered the Iberian Peninsula.

The conservation status of the Camargue was listed in DAD-IS in 2023 as 'not at risk', based on a reported population in 2018 in France of just over 14500 head, including more than 7100 brood-mares and almost 1800 stallions.

[2] These figures are widely at variance with those provided by the Haras Nationaux, which for 2018 reports 200 active stallions and 929 mares mounted.

Considered rugged and intelligent, they have a short neck, deep chest, compact body, well-jointed, strong limbs and a full mane and tail.

It is often heavy, square and expressive, with bright, wide-set eyes, a straight profile, flat forehead and well-chiseled cheek bones.

The breed has a neck of medium length with an abundant maneThe chest is deep and wide, and the shoulder is powerful and muscular.

Their calm temperament, agility, intelligence and stamina has resulted in these horses being used for equestrian games, dressage, and long-distance riding, which is growing in popularity in France.

[15] In 1960 Denys Colomb Daunant, writer and actor for Crin-blanc, made the documentary Le Songe des Chevaux Sauvages, "Dream of the Wild Horses".