Fishing for shrimp from horses
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (380445)
Rockingham, Australia
May 23, 2026 12:56am CST
I was intrigued to find several articles about shrimp fishing in Oostduinkerke, Belgium, where they ride heavy draft horses into shallow water to catch brown shrimp. The horse breeds mentioned were Brabaçon, Brabant and Belgian Draft. We saw all these breeds in France when we visited a place that was devoted to heavy horses.
It seems Oostduinkerke is now the only place to carry on this centuries-old tradition, although families on the North Sea coast including those in Germany, England, France, practised such fishing from the 16th century to after World War II. The practice was recognised by UNESCO in 2014 and placed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A funnel-shaped net is used, held open by two planks. The nets measure 7 x 10 metres (23 x 33 ft) so strong horses are needed to tow the net through the water. One source said a chain is dragged over the sand causing the shrimp to jump from the sea-bed and be caught in the net. The other source said the horses’ hooves disturb the shrimp. Both sound pretty logical. So who out there likes shrimp?
The photo is from Wikimedia and is by Gertjan R. Note the collars on the horses which make it easier for them to pull a heavy load.
12 people like this
13 responses
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
People got along quite well before mechanisation. Things got done but it just took a bit/lot longer.
@Ronrybs (21412)
• London, England
6h
@Orson_Kart Really! They are terrible gamblers
1 person likes this

@celticeagle (189213)
• Boise, Idaho
10h
There are some handsome bigger breeds. Many workers are probably to have had them help with heavy work.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
8h
These breeds were indispensiable before mechanisation took over.
@luisadannointed (11641)
• Philippines
11h
That's interesting and amazing at the same time. I never thought a horse could help people fishing some shrimp.
2 people like this
@rebelann (117111)
• El Paso, Texas
3h
That's so interesting. It amazes me how we turned away from nature just to embrace machines. It's sad if you ask me, the natural way is always the best but I suppose with 8 billion hungary people on our planet machines could be necessary to obtain food for all of us.
1 person likes this


@rsa101 (40832)
• Philippines
5h
This method of harvesting or catching shrimp in the open seas is remarkably unique and likely holds significant cultural and historical value, as it may be an ancient practice passed down through generations. Preserving such a technique is important not only for its heritage but also because it could contribute to sustainable fishing practices, helping to protect shrimp populations from overharvesting and ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
It's certainly an age-old practice. I agree that it could contribute to sustainable fishing.
@luisadannointed (11641)
• Philippines
11h
That's interesting and amazing at the same time, never thought a horse can help people to get shrimp.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
Yes, it's a bit different. Horses have a lot of uses really.
@Orson_Kart (8187)
• United Kingdom
7h
I’ve never seen such a thing. Congrats on spelling “Oostduinkerke”. That’s quite an achievement in itself! 


1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (134819)
• Marion, Ohio
4h
Never heard of that. I don't eat any seafood
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
Yes, it must be regarded as something very unique to be honoured in this way.
@LindaOHio (221487)
• United States
7h
I think that would be very cold for the horses. This is the first I've heard of this practice.
I don't care for shrimp. I like clam strips, crab, bay scallops and lobster.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (380445)
• Rockingham, Australia
3h
I like most seafood. I love scallops and lobster in particular.

















