Fete des Gardians, Arles, Provence, France - Camargue cowboys and girls in traditional dress parade on horseback parade in the town of Arles.
This annual May Day festival in Arles, South of France, begins with a parade of guardians - men of the Camargue who herd wild horses (similar to cowboys) sometimes with their female companion riding bareback behind and just holding onto the saddle. All the men are dressed in the traditional costume and ride Camargue horses while the ladies wear traditional dress from the 19th century. The Camargue horse is an ancient breed dating back to Celtic times which is only found in this region of France, they are traditionally ridden by the Gardians and are used for rounding up herds of bulls. As adults the horses are white but they are born dark brown or even black, they are a hardy breed well known for their stamina, temperament and agility. Although small in size they are capable of carrying a good weight, many of the horses roam semi wild across the countryside.
Size: 4287px × 2848px
Location: Arles, Southern France
Photo credit: © Wendy Johnson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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