THE BOKKENRIJDERE

In Belgian and Dutch folklore, the Bokkenrijders (or Buckriders) are spirits that ride on the backs of flying goats. These goats were said to be provided by demons, and some believe that the Bokkenrijders themselves are demons.
In the 18th century, several groups of bandits and thieves co-opted the name of the Bokkenrijders, raiding farms and small communities. Because of the lore surrounding the spirits, and their ties to the Devil, several men were excecuted in witch-hunt style prosecutions.