Pair of leather horse hobbles

Set of leather and metal horse hobbles, consisting of a pair of thick leather bands, each formed from two thickness of leather. The bands are fitted with a metal link at each end which interlock and are held captive by one end of the leather, which then passes through a third link. The bands are joined by a four-link chain, 190 mm long, with one link having a swivelling joint. The leather, buckles and chain hardware are held by copper rivets. Both leather bands are impressed 'MADE BY / C.E. BOWDEN & SON LTD / D^D 1944' and impressed with an inspector's stamp '^ H8'.

During the Second World War horses and pack horses were used by large patrol units such as Norforce, in difficult and remote areas of northern Australia, where up to 1,000 horses were employed. Horses were also used in New Guinea by the Australian Independent Light Horse Troop; while pack mules and horses were employed for supply hauling up the Kokoda Trail and during the Lae campaign. The use of hobbles would have been a necessity for picketing and occasionally shoeing these animals. From the date on the leather bands, production was maintained for this purpose throughout the war.