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This buckle and cord was used as a halter for breaking-in colts. When the cord was pulled downwards, it gripped the horse tightly, so that it would be uncomfortable. It is not known for certain where this buckle and cord was used, but it was possibly in Norfolk.

Buckle and cord: metal, cord

MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Used when breaking in colts. See letter. // No county given // Possibly Norfolk. // [pencil sketch], Letter, J. Gunston to J. Higgs, September 11 1957 - 'I now enclose a cord-buckle as you may not have one. It was at one time widely used by horsemen when breaking-in colts for farm work. It administered punishment by a slow by not severe type to bring a young horse into a quieter frame of mind. // ... You will see that by pulling cord downward in slot against shutter that it becomes gripped tight. By pulling on the knotted cord the shutter is spread to release cord. Punishment consisted of keeping a very tight halter on the colt, a very uncomfortable experience. When halter cord was released the colt was usually so pleased hat it would nuzzle the horseman with its nose [?] - thinking presumably that it was he who had given the relief. The colt is not capable of knowing that the same man caused the halter to be tightened!'

Buckle, Cord

Metal, Fibre