THE WHITE HORSES OF THE CAMARGUE - Global Event Photos€¦ · THE “GARDIANS” (French spelling)...
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THE WHITE HORSES OF THE CAMARGUE Tony Bonanno
Transcript of THE WHITE HORSES OF THE CAMARGUE - Global Event Photos€¦ · THE “GARDIANS” (French spelling)...
THE WHITE HORSES OF THE CAMARGUE
Tony Bonanno
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THE WHITE HORSES OF THE CAMARGUE
Photographs and Text
by
Tony Bonanno
– 2019 –
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GARDIANS AND WHITE HORSES
THE CAMARGUE HORSES are an ancient breed, estimated to be at least 12,000 to 13,000 years old. Perhaps they are the horses depicted in the cave paintings found in the region. Over the centuries these horses have adapted to the harsh environment of the Camargue wetlands and marshes of southern France. They are hardy, disease resistant, agile and sure footed ... and when running through the waters of the Rhone Delta wetlands they appear to have a synergy that is almost other worldly. These horses are unlike any other. The Camargue horse is to water like the New Mexico quarter horse is to dust.
THE “GARDIANS” (French spelling) are the “keepers or guardians” of the white horses of the Camargue. It is a unique culture that goes back hundreds of years in this region of France. There are approximately 200 Gardians in the country. They are on horseback working every day managing their herds of both the Camargue horses and the Camargue black fighting bulls. The wetland environment bordering the Mediterranean presents a harsh and challenging setting. The Gardians’ tack, saddles, stirrups and boots are designed to ensure the rider stays mounted while working with the aggressive bulls. The traditional mount of the Gardian is the white Camargue horse. The Gardian is the trainer, the breeder, and the protector of the Camargue horse. The “horse” is an integral part of the Camargue culture, history, and daily life. It’s been that way for hundreds of years ... and it still is today.
The Gardians are a culture unto themselves. Their clothing, hats and staffs, saddles and tack, the design of their quaint homes with saddle scabbards and stone fireplaces, all reflect the synergy and passion between the “Gardian” and their white horses.
Today’s Camargue horses are semi-feral and most live on the ranches of the Gardians. Gardians must ensure the health of their herd and the purity of the breed. That is dictated by French law. The training and title is often handed down from father to son, and occasionally to a daughter.
The contents of this book involved working with several Gardians, their families, and staffs. Each Gardian manages their own herd or “Manade” of Camargue horses and cattle. Gardians often help other Gardians with managing their herds as the need arises. Family members often work alongside the Gardian and become equally skilled equestrians and herders.
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THE CAMARGUE CROSS ...
The upper end of the Camargue Cross is a three prong fork with trident tips (the tool used by the Gardians), the lower end is an anchor (with fish tail tips), and the anchor is topped by a heart. It stands for three cardinal virtues...
1. The cross for FAITH2. The anchor for HOPE3. The heart for CHARITY
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A big thanks to California based photojournalist Jodie Willard who invited me to co-lead a photographic workshop in the Camargue in 2015. This was the first of many forays into this wonderful world of white horses and Gardians. I’m equally thankful to French nature photographer Patrice Aguilar, our “man on location” who worked diligently to provide access to the best of the Camargue. A special “thank you” to the incredible Camargue Gardians, their families, riders and staff who were so generous with their time, their beautiful horses, and knowledge.
Tony Bonanno
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TONY BONANNO
Tony Bonanno is an internationally acclaimed photographer based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His fine art images have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums throughout the US and abroad.
The artist’s goal in photographing these beautiful animals was to explore the intersection of light, water, and movement that emphasizes the power, grace and beauty of this special breed of horse. It was also the artist’s goal to photograph and capture a glimpse of the “Gardian” culture which is so important to the protection and well being of the Camargue Horse.
© 2019 Tony BonannoAll Rights Reserved
www.bonannophoto.comwww.camarguehorses.com
No part of this publication may be reproduced in anyform without the permission of the author
© Diane Williams
Gardians and White Horses The Camargue, France 2017
