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For nearly 700 years, the shrimpers of Oostduinkerke, Belgium, have been training draft horses to help them pursue the local catch. Typically weighing more than 2,000 pounds, these horses are well suited to the task of carrying fishermen through the cold waters of the North Sea. Yet despite its historical importance, Oostduinkerke is the last place on Earth to use this traditional form of fishing. Currently, just 19 or so fishermen continue the practice.
Shrimp fishing on horseback is one of the most difficult fishing practices in history as it requires mastery of both large horses and tiny shrimp. A “paardenvisser” walks a horse parallel to the sea about 100 meters from the shore dragging a large net with a metal chain that « scares » grey shrimp into the net. The Brabant draft horses are large and powerful while the shrimp are a delicate delicacy in Belgian cuisine.
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