If you think the most impressive thing a horse can do is jump a fence or pull a carriage, you haven’t visited the windswept shores of Oostduinkerke, Belgium. Here, a group of rugged fishermen and their massive, four-legged companions are keeping a 500-year-old tradition alive: shrimping on horseback.
It is exactly as majestic—and slightly absurd—as it sounds.
The “Sea Horses” of the North
While most shrimpers use high-tech boats and sonar, the paardenvissers (horse fishermen) of Belgium prefer the “low-tech” approach. They use Brabant draft horses, a breed known for its immense strength and incredibly calm demeanor. These gentle giants are essentially the “tanks” of the horse world, which is necessary when you’re walking chest-deep into the chilly, turbulent waters of the North Sea.
How it Works (The “Wet” Way)
The process is a masterclass in coordination:
- The Gear: The horses are fitted with heavy wooden saddles and two large wicker baskets for the catch.
- The Drag: As the tide goes out, the horses wade into the surf, pulling heavy funnel-shaped nets behind them.
- The Secret Weapon: To stir up the prized gray shrimp hiding in the sand, the horses pull a heavy chain that creates vibrations on the seabed. It’s basically a deep-sea doorbell that lets the shrimp know it’s time to join the party.
Tiny Shrimp, Big Party
After a half-hour or so of “sea-plowing,” the fishermen return to the beach to sort the catch. The gray shrimp (known locally as crevettes) are tiny, but they are a culinary goldmine in Belgium.
The Best Part
Because this tradition is so unique, UNESCO has recognized it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can watch a horse go for a swim and then immediately enjoy a snack of fresh, butter-sauteed shrimp right on the boardwalk.
