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This horse belonged to 6th NJ Inf. Surgeon John Wiley. This photo surfaced in an article in the current issue of North South Trader's Civil War magazine. A fine, high quality publication I must add. Some artifacts from Wiley's CW experience are highlighted in the article including his tent (quite rare item indeed), surgical book and several photos.
Any war time photo of horses is of interest to this forum. However, what makes this photo remarkable is the gear on the horse. I note what appears to be a striped (probably miltui-colored surcingle around the horses girth), a martingale or tie down of sorts, bridle (and bit?) and reins. The photo is not the best quality but the bridle, martingale and reins are quite unique. First the bridle has some sort of brass (I assume brass- maybe silver?) ornamentation as does the martingale. The use of the surcingle suggests to me a training device to set the horse's head. Perhaps driving the horse afoot to set his head. I am familiar with these methods. Anyway, I could be wrong here and most certainly seek advice and input from our forum readers on this.
Most noteworthy are the reins. A close look at them shows some sort of cloth or (?) attachments hanging from them. I admit I am at a loss as to the purpose of this. It may have something to do with the head-set arrangement but I have never heard of such a thing. Anyone?
Then again, perhaps the whole thing is all simply some sort of decorative ornatmentation for whatever purpose.
In any event, I am posting this for discussion from you learned folks. Anyone want to make a stab at this?
PS: Nice looking horse too, huh?
Ken R KNopp
Any war time photo of horses is of interest to this forum. However, what makes this photo remarkable is the gear on the horse. I note what appears to be a striped (probably miltui-colored surcingle around the horses girth), a martingale or tie down of sorts, bridle (and bit?) and reins. The photo is not the best quality but the bridle, martingale and reins are quite unique. First the bridle has some sort of brass (I assume brass- maybe silver?) ornamentation as does the martingale. The use of the surcingle suggests to me a training device to set the horse's head. Perhaps driving the horse afoot to set his head. I am familiar with these methods. Anyway, I could be wrong here and most certainly seek advice and input from our forum readers on this.
Most noteworthy are the reins. A close look at them shows some sort of cloth or (?) attachments hanging from them. I admit I am at a loss as to the purpose of this. It may have something to do with the head-set arrangement but I have never heard of such a thing. Anyone?
Then again, perhaps the whole thing is all simply some sort of decorative ornatmentation for whatever purpose.
In any event, I am posting this for discussion from you learned folks. Anyone want to make a stab at this?
PS: Nice looking horse too, huh?
Ken R KNopp
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