Brabant horses still pull beer on the tri-border of Switzerland, France, and Germany
While the world races toward technology and speed, in a brewery in Basel, time stands still. Instead of trucks, barrels of beer are pulled through the city by horses. Not just any horses – but Brabant, the powerful draft breed that has served humankind for centuries. This is a story of strength, reliability, and a living tradition that continues to defy the modern world.
Tradition in a Trot
In a brewery in Basel, a city in the far northwest of Switzerland, daily routines follow a rhythm dictated not by digital calendars or logistics software, but by the needs of living beings. In the shade of old wooden barns and the scent of fresh straw, powerful horses prepare for their working day. These are Brabant horses – true symbols of draft power that still deliver beer to neighborhoods across the city. With their calm gait and noble bearing, they are a living bridge to the past.
Kings of Draft
Brabant horses, also known as Belgian draft horses, originate from the Brabant region of Belgium. Over centuries, they were selectively bred to serve in the heaviest agricultural and industrial tasks. Their massive build, deep chest, strong back, and thick, feathered legs are all testaments to their strength. Despite their size – often weighing over a ton – they are known for their gentle temperament and ease of training.
Once indispensable in mining, farming, and transport, today they are a rare sight. But where they are still used – such as in this Basel brewery – they play both practical and symbolic roles.
Life in the Brewery Stable
Each horse in the spacious stable is given individual care. A wooden plaque above each stall bears the horse’s name and year of birth. Geronimo, born in 2006, is one of the oldest residents. His calm nature and proud stance speak of years of experience. The horses are well-fed, groomed daily, and kept in conditions that respect their dignity.
They are part of the brewery’s working team, but also its living attraction. Visitors, especially children, watch in awe as these mighty horses pull wooden carts through the city streets, just as they did in times past. Practicing this tradition is not only nostalgic but also part of the brewery’s ecological commitment – for a horse produces neither exhaust fumes nor noise.
The Silence That Pulls
While the rest of the world dreams of drones and electric vehicles, Basel proves that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Using horses in a modern distribution system shows that old solutions can still serve a sustainable future. These horses are not just means of transport – they are symbols of trust, stability, and a lasting connection between man and nature.
A Struggle for Survival
Yet, the number of Brabant horses in Europe is steadily declining. Machines have replaced them, and maintaining large animals is costly. That is why examples like this brewery in Basel are invaluable – they preserve not only animals, but also a way of life. They remind us that not everything is about speed or efficiency at any cost.
As Geronimo calmly steps toward his next delivery, he carries more than just beer barrels – he bears memories, values, and a truth: that some things cannot be replaced by time or technology.
