Object number
68/106
Collection
Description
This is a horse gag, which was used to keep the horse’s mouth open whilst administering a ‘ball’ or drench. This gag came to the collection as part of the Sharp collection.
Label Text
Horse gag. This horse gag was placed in a horse's mouth to keep it open whilst dental work was undertaken. Throughout the 20th century, some uncertainty existed as to who was responsible for equine dentistry. Livery stables and blacksmiths had traditionally performed this work, but as they declined, their knowledge was lost. It was often up to farriers to do the best they could. In the modern day, equine dentistry is more widely practiced by veterinary professionals.
Archival history
The Sharp Collection of agricultural and dairying equipment was compiled by Reverend C. J. Sharp at Wonersh, Surrey. Reverend Sharp died in 1967 and the Museum acquired the Collection for £60 in 1968., MERL ‘Handwritten Catalogue’ form - ‘GAG // Livestock veterinary // SHARP COLLECTION // wood iron [pencil drawing].’
Object name
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