
A sea-side race between a troop of horses has been captured in these beautiful photographs taken in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in Camargue, France.

The white Carmague horses are seen galloping through the water, getting covered from top to tail during the race.

The Carmague horse, which is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world, can be found running wild in the area of southern France.

Racing steeds: Stunning photographs capture a troop of white Carmague horses running through water in France

Forget slow and steady:The troop of horses splashed around in the sea in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, in Camargue, France

Ancient fillies: The horses are native to the area in southern France and as well as being bred by farmers, it is found in the wild

Photographer Alberto Ghizzi Panizza, 43, captured the incredible images while on a recent trip to Camargue.

Mr Ghizzi Panizza, of Parma, Italy, said: 'I was visiting Carmague for five days and I saw the horses down by the water.

'There are lots of these horses around because they are native to the area. I love the photo of the horses all looking like they are posing as a group.

'Also, while I was on the floor taking pictures at one point, in the rush, the horses almost jumped right over my head.

'There are so many emotions when you see a group of horses jumping over you.'

Cheeky! One of the horses appears to be sticking its tongue out to the photographer

Living their best life: Another horse appears to be closing its eyes in enjoyment in one of the photographs

Born and bred: The Carmague horse is thought to be one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world

Calm before the storm: The horses are seen wading through the water - with their manes still dry - before they take off

Action shot: The photographs were taken by Italian Alberto Ghizzi Panizza, 43, during a trip to Carmague

While also found in the wild, Carmague horses have been used by farmers in the area for centuries and are traditionally used for cattle work.

The Camargue is famed for their stamina, hardiness and intelligence - all qualities needed to survive in the sometimes harsh environment of the marshland in Carmague.

They are easily trained and are the steed of choice for the gardians, traditional French cowboys, when herding the black Camargue bulls used for bullfights.

Born brown or black, they grow paler as they age, developing a light grey or white colouring as adults.

Strong and stable: The Carmague horse breed is known for its stamina, hardiness and intelligence

Carmague horses have been used by farmers in the area for centuries and are traditionally used for cattle work