Originally dockworkers, the pijnders became a powerful craft from the 14th century onwards. Later, their role expanded to include firefighting. Today, they form the exclusive carrier group of the Ros Beiaard. The craft survived Austrian and French reforms and only disappeared with the First World War. In Dendermonde, it is kept alive folklorically for the sake of the Ros Beiaard tradition.
The pijnders are led by their dean, who has the honour of guiding the Ros Beiaard during the procession and the fire battle on the Grote Markt. The pijnders consist of three groups of twelve carriers. Each team is led by a captain who sets the rhythm and commands when to rear, salute, or yield. In addition to the main carriers, a number of reserve carriers are kept on hand.
Other members of the pijnders also attract attention. The trestle carriers set up the supports on which the Ros rests at each stop. The ladder carriers ensure that the ladder is available for the Four Sons of Aymon to mount and dismount the Ros. The drink carriers have the important task of providing beverages to the Ros Beiaard carriers along the way.
The Dendermonde pijnders are united in the Gilde der Vrije Pijnders.
The Ros Beiaard is accompanied by the dean of the guild. It is his task to alert the captain. Together with the fiddler and the Ros Beiaard harmony, he sets the cadence.
When the horse must rear, the captain commands: “Heffen, heft!” The first three men lift the Ros with outstretched arms. The second trio maintains balance. The third trio bends their knees, and the fourth row lowers even further.
In a kind of trance, the pijnders carry out their heavy task: with a weight of nearly a thousand kilos, the Ros Beiaard moves lightly and gracefully. It knows no fatigue, for at the very end of the procession, during the fire battle on the Grote Markt, it storms furiously at its assailants. Here, the horse is at its most magnificent and captivates all the spectators!
