This stock horse bridle was probably used in the mid 1900's. This was the period when cattle and sheep mustering was at its prime. The movement of cattle and sheep was by mounted stock horse only and not by other methods. Northern territory cattle stations in the late 1900's started to use helicopters for "cattle control". In the KIEWA Valley/Bogong High Plains and other rural cattle/sheep producing areas required well trained stock horses and stockmen for cattle/sheep control. It is only in the later 1900's that motor bikes and four wheeled quad-bikes have taken over, in part, from the mounted stockman.This horse bridle is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because of the early introduction of cattle and sheep stations in what initially was regarded as a semi remote valley location. The maintenance of cattle and sheep in the Kiewa Valley was, and still is an important requirement of livestock management. A good stock horse bridle is important, especially during the period when cattle and sheep were grazed on the Bogong High Plains. The mustering and and moving cattle/sheep from the valley pastures to the high country was a demanding and dangerous exercise requiring "sure footed" stock horses.The "good specialised" bridle was a vital part of this cattle/sheep mustering. A scientific study started in 1947 to study the impact of grazing cattle/sheep on the natural Alpine and sub Alpine vegetation found grazing cattle had an adverse affect on the natural Alpine and sub alpine vegetation, and grazing on the plains was stopped by the Victorian Government in 2005.This "camp draft" on the Bogong High Plains could take up to six weeks.This harness bridle includes "blinders, winklers or blinkers" and would therefore be used on a pack or "working" horse. This bridle has rings on each end of the browband. The bridle is one used by a horse working in a team configuration pulling a heavy cart or wagon. The bridle has ten adjustable straps to allow it to accommodate a variety of horse sizes. See KVHS 0495 for a stock horse saddle.horse, country, leather bridle, gaiters, high country grazing, cattlemen, laces, studs

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. Glen Eira Heritage Management Plan 1996 by Andrew Ward The 1857 rate book indicates that the major portion of the District was under pasture, although a considerable portion was cultivated. There were 159 houses, huts and tents whose occupants were mainly occupied on the land. If "Camden Town" was the principal commercial focus for the District in 1857, it was to remain so in later years, incorporated today in the Glenhuntly Road centre which extends more or less continuously from Elsternwick to Bambra Road. The Caulfield State School of 1877, the horse tramway of 1889 and subsequently the electric trams were all events confirming the importance of Glenhuntly Road and the fledgling community of "Camden Town" wherein the City's commercial centre has its origins. It is recalled, today, by their presence, and also by the "London Tavern" in Hawthorn Road, established by John Guess in 1873. Dr Geulah Solomon's 4 volume book "Caulfield's Heritage" Vol 1 p 93: "A modern hotel presently on the site continues the name of the London Tavern." That was true until recent years as the hotel is named The Camden Hotel now (2021).Page 81 of Photograph Album with one landscape photograph of the front of the London Tavern with handwriting on the edge of the photograph.Hand written: LONDON TAVERN HOTEL 1937 [on bottom edge of photo] / 81 [bottom left] trevor hart, caulfield, hawthorn road, london tavern, camden town, john guess, hotels, pubs, victorian, 1870's, 1930's, sycamore street, the camden hotel