Plow Horses

Horses Plowing the Land

Meet the heavy draft horses in the picture in the photobook Paardenkracht (Horsepower) by photographer Fleur Halkema and journalist Carin Smolders.

When four draft horses thunder across the pasture at full gallop, it’s hard to imagine they’re also capable of moving carefully, one foot at a time. Yet, that is exactly what Jannetje Ruiter has taught her horses to do. When in front of the plow, this skill makes them more effective. Ruiter, owner of Hoeve Nieuw Lopsum, is one of the few Dutch horse owners who still plows with horses. She also uses the impressive, yet “cool-headed” horses at harvest festivals, demonstrations, and other events.

Lion’s Share

For the photobook Fleur Halkema Fotografie – Paardenkracht (Horsepower), Fleur and Carin joined Jannetje Ruiter for the Dutch Plowing Championships. Ruiter chose the experienced Vos (blond) and newcomer Bart (black) to work with during the competition. Bart did his best to keep up with Vos, but Vos did the lion’s share of the work that day. For Bart, however, the National Championships were a great day of learning.

The plow horses embody one of the traditional equine professions highlighted in Paardenkracht. Other “old-fashioned” workhorses include the towboat horses, the one that keeps a mill running, and the horses that drag felled trees out of the forest. These and others, who work for the military, police, and in therapy settings, fill the pages of the informative and visually appealing photobook Paardenkracht, which will be released on June 6, 2026.

(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.