The Camargue horse breed is one of the oldest recognized in the world. Its ancient origin remains poorly defined, and the horses could come from Arabia, Asia, or Celtic regions. Camargue horses were supposedly already known to the Phoenicians, and their breeding was encouraged by Julius Caesar. The robust and small breed has all the characteristics of a remarkable riding horse. The animals are lively, agile, and very enduring, and their sure footing makes them ideal companions in the marshes of Camargue. Their coat is more or less gray, and they are 4.43 to 4.92 ft high (1.35 to 1.50 m) at the withers in adulthood.