Horse Tram

Tram Towing Horses

Meet the carriage horses featured in the photos in the photo book Horse Power by photographer Fleur Halkema and journalist Carin Smolders.

The buildings along the narrow streets of the historical town center of Delft echo horses’ hooves on a sunny weekend day. Tourists and residents alike turn their heads to see where the sound is coming from. Many people already know: it’s Toon Paap and his historical horse tram. It’s a picture-perfect sight, the old-fashioned tram carriage against the backdrop of 17th-century buildings. However, life isn’t always easy for a carriage driver these days. Delivery scooters woosh past without a sound, and delivery trucks regularly block the way. Still, Toon Paap keep driving his horses in the old town. In his tall hat and black tasseled coat, he is a tram driver, tourist guide, and, above all, a man of horses.

Dawn till Dark

For the photo book Fleur Halkema Photography – Paardenkracht (Horsepower), Fleur and Carin visited the Horse Tram horses at their stables in Delft. Just outside town, adjacent to a recreational park, Toon lives with his horses. From dawn till dark, he cares for them, together with his staff. Horses have been present all his life. Besides driving the tram and caring for the animals, he regularly buys and sells horses. He also trains young horses for driving carriages. Toon, his horses, and carriages can be also be rented for weddings, funerals, and events.

(Pre)order now

The book Fleur Halkema Fotografie – Paardenkracht (Horsepower) is available for €15.00 via this website and can be ordered now. Click here to go directly to the order form. Starting June 6, it will also be available in various stores. Click here for an overview.