Paardenvissers, Horseback fishing spot in Koksijde, Belgium.
Paardenvissers is a fishing tradition on Belgium's North Sea coast where riders mounted on sturdy horses ride into shallow waters and catch seafood with nets. The animals wade through the water while riders skillfully handle their traditional catching nets to harvest from the cold coastal waters.
This method emerged when coastal communities realized that horses could access shallow waters unreachable by conventional means during low tide periods. A practical approach to using tidal patterns developed and has remained effective through the centuries to the present day.
This fishing practice is woven into local identity and passed down through families of fishermen who continue the tradition today. Walking along the beach, you witness not just a work method but a piece of coastal culture that residents actively maintain.
Visitors best observe the activity during low tide when riders and horses wade into the water, which offers the best viewing opportunities. It is wise to wear sturdy shoes and season-appropriate clothing since the beach can be windy and cool.
The horses working here are Brabant draft horses, a rare old breed specifically bred for heavy labor that has special power in shallow water. Only a handful of these horses are still trained for this task, making the tradition all the more valuable.
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