80/18

A side-strap used on a farm at Woolhampton Cottage, Berkshire, where 3 pairs of Shire horses were kept.
This is a side-strap used on the farm at Woolhampton Cottage, Woolhampton, Berkshire, where three pairs of Shire horses were kept. The side-strap is broken at the upper end but likely once had a loop. The decoration consists of a rectangular piece of brass and two brasses with star decorations. The following is quoted from T. Keegan's 'The Heavy Horse', 1973, p.132: 'Many patterns of side straps, called variously runners, hip straps, loin straps, rein hangers, flyers etc. were made to decorate the horse from the side view. They were all attached to either the meeter straps or to the crupper, and hung down either side of the horse with two to four brasses displayed on each.'

1 side strap: leather; brass; fair condition

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Side strap // Accession number: 80/18 // Classification: Livestock, Horses harness // Negative number: // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: Miss Blythe-Currie [...] // Store: // Condition: Fair // Recorder, date: DJE, 25.2.80 // Description: Leather side strap broken at upper end but undoubtedly once having a loop. Decoration consists of a rectangular piece of brass and two brasses with star decorations. // Dimensions: Overall length: 35.5cms // Associated information: Used on farm at Woolhampton Cottage where 3 pairs of Shire horses were formerly used. // See 80/17 // References:', Letter, MERL to Miss Blyth-Currie, 3 March 1980 – 'Dear Miss Blyth-Currie, // Here is a receipt for the items Mr. Brigden and myself picked up the other week. All the items have found a place in the museum collections, and we would like to thank you again for contacting us. // Yours sincerely, // David J. Eveleigh, // Museum Assistant.'