The Camargue breed of horses has existed since prehistoric times and is the oldest living breed of horses in the entire world. Comparisons to the bones of ancient horses place them as a close relative of horses found in France as early as 17,000 years ago. Continuously living in the salty marshes of the Camargue has led to evolutionary advances in the animals, including their extremely broad hooves, which allow them better footing in the mud, water and reeds   The horses are recognised as ‘wild’ as they live out all year in hardy conditions, are not groomed, nor stabled. The foals must be born out of doors and suckle from a registered Camargue mare as proof of parentage. They are occasionally fed however, if the winter is particularly harsh, and they live in close contact with humans, so they are often considered ‘part wild’.