Cool off with a swim on horseback in the sea on Île d’Oléron

If visiting the French island of Oléron this summer you will surely be tempted to take a refreshing dip in the sea… but did you know that you can also go swimming on horseback? 

Located on Oléron’s northern coast, not far from Fort Boyard, Les Cavaliers d’Oléron offers visitors the chance to explore the island’s forests, beaches, and marshes while trekking on Camargue horses.

The small association first began in 1993 and ran for eight years, eventually reopening in 2017. This year, President Pascal Maria is keen to allow visitors to help bathe his horses in the sea. 

“It is an activity I did years ago with groups of teenagers who came on week-long riding courses. If I was comfortable with their riding level, we would go out into the water and it was like a sort of reward at the end of the week,” Mr Maria told The Connexion. 

“During the May heatwave, I took some experienced riders out with the horses into the water so they wouldn’t be too hot and it sparked the idea of offering this type of trek to the public.

“As we head into a long heatwave this summer, we’ll try to organise this so there is still the possibility of going out on horseback, even if it gets hot,” he explained.

Mr Maria, who has lived on the island for 35 years, explained that before June 15, certain beaches are open to horses and dogs but that after this date and until September 15, the mayors of each commune can dictate whether or not animals are still allowed by the sea. 

In Saint-Georges-d’Oléron (Charente-Maritime), horses are permitted on the beaches before 09:00 and after 19:30 - meaning treks must respect these times while being mindful of tidal predictions.

“During hot weather my horses only go outside early in the morning and later on at night, which corresponds with the timings that are authorised by the mairie. It is safer for the riders and the horses,” said Mr Maria.  

“Also, we must not forget that ultimately, it [riding in the sea] is for the horses’ benefit; it is not so much for the riders who can go for a swim whenever they want.

“Swimming is excellent for the horses’ health. When they are injured, or when they have a joint problem, we often try to give them as many baths as possible to help them get back into shape, and it is also very good for their hydration. It is more for recovery than anything else, while also being a bit of fun for the riders, many of whom have not experienced it before.”

While Mr Maria offers treks to beginners and experienced riders (aged 10 and over), taking a horse into the sea is more challenging than a classic trek on solid ground, with a major difference being that riding in the water is done bareback - without a saddle. 

“We always go out in small groups of course and even if they are beginners, participants need to be reasonably fit and have a bit of balance otherwise it can be complicated.”

The ‘versatile’ Camargue breed

Les Cavaliers d’Oléron cares for 16 Camargue horses - a light grey-coloured breed due to their black skin underlying a white coat which appears as the horse grows into adulthood. 

“The Camargue is an excellent horse and, what’s more, it lives in semi-freedom in its indigenous marshes and wetlands of the Bouches-du-Rhône. It is similar to our surroundings here and that is why I chose this breed for the Île d’Oléron,” said Mr Maria.

“It is sturdy, quite hardy, energetic and versatile. It is not a particularly large horse, but does have a big heart,” he added.

Excursions with Les Cavaliers d’Oléron last 1-2 hours, and reservations for groups of around 2-5 people can be made everyday until October 31 by calling 06 40 50 15 29.