Hilse De Groote’s remarkable journey with her Belgian draft horse Elixir highlights the enduring charm of the Belgian trekpaard across Flanders. Starting from her hometown of Vollezele, Hilse embarked on a 3.5-month trek covering 1,100 kilometres through all Flemish provinces. This unique expedition, ongoing as of 2025-07-23 20:01:00, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Belgian draft horse museum founded by her grandfather.
- Hilse De Groote travels 1,100 km with Elixir
- Celebrates 25 years Belgian draft horse museum
- Documents stories about Belgian draft horse breed
- Engages locals during route through Flemish provinces
- Highlights cultural significance of Belgian draft horses
- Shares journey updates via social media platform
Her route is not fixed but shaped by encounters and stories, from shrimp fishermen in Oostduinkerke to walking under Antwerp’s Schelde tunnel. Hilse’s aim is to revive interest in the Belgian trekpaard by collecting these narratives and producing a documentary. How can such grassroots efforts influence the future of this iconic breed? And what does this journey mean for local communities connected to the horse?
Hilse’s adventure raises important questions about preserving traditional breeds in a modern world. By engaging directly with locals and sharing their stories, she breathes new life into the Belgian trekpaard’s legacy. This approach:
- Connects diverse Flemish communities through shared heritage
- Highlights the breed’s historical and cultural significance
- Encourages public interest and support for conservation efforts
- Demonstrates the value of storytelling in heritage preservation
As Hilse nears the end of her tour, her documentary promises to offer fresh insights and inspire renewed appreciation for the Belgian trekpaard. Will this journey spark wider recognition and support for Belgium’s equine heritage? Follow her progress and join the conversation on social media to stay connected with this living tradition.
