Since the late 15th century, fishermen in the seaside communities that line the North Sea have practiced a unique form of shrimp fishing. While riding a horse, these fishermen, called "Paardenvisser," trawl the shallow waters along the coast to capture the well-loved crustaceans.
They came up with a very ingenious method of fishing. Riding a Brabant Draft Horse, they pull a net attached to two metal and wood boards. The water pressure keeps the net open as well as pushes the catch to the back of the net. A metal chain attached to the front of the net sends shockwaves through the sand which causes the shrimp to jump into the trap. I have no idea who the brilliant person was who thought of that!
The paardenvissers can be seen wearing their bright yellow oilskin pants and jackets atop their sturdy horses during shrimp fishing season which lasts from March to May and September to November. There is a two-day Shrimp Festival in June when the horses get to parade down the streets leading elaborate floats.
At this writing, there are only seventeen known paardenvissers.
So that is your fun horse fact for the day!
COMING SOON: MY NEW BOOK ABOUT THE FAMOUS POLISH ARABIAN STALLION, WITEZ II! More info on that next time.
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