Horse tail docker (133)
Horse tail docker
Name/Title
Horse tail docker (133)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.1066Description
Lopper type instrument, with wooden handles joined by a pivot, metal blade and brass fixings.Context
Because of its quality the example is likely to have been made by an instrument maker. According to Arthur Ingram in 'The Country Animal Doctor', "The docking of horse's tails was one time fashionable but it is now fortunately outlawed for all but strictly veterinary purposes. . . . The instrument was a hand operated guillotine. . . . .The top handle was attached to a semi-circular blade, the bottom handle to a wooden block into which was carved a deep hollow holding a narrow groove designed to receive the blade with a precise fit. The tail of the horse was placed in the hollow and sharp pressure was applied to the top handle. . . . . .The open wound was then cauterised with a hollow cauterising iron".Cataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Animal Husbandry