Joe Direct

Photographer

Guy Kendall

Preview

Creation Date

9-1-1927

Sex of the horse

Gelding

Sire

Empire Direct

Dam

Unknown

Stable/ Owner

R. A. Jewell

Rights and Access Note

Rights assessment remains the responsibility of the researcher. No known restrictions on publication. For information about the process and fees for obtaining higher resolution scans or another file format, contact Special Collections.

Stable/Owner Location

Fairfield, Maine

Driver Name

Nelson

Race

2.20 Pace

Description

Black and white photo of chestnut gelding, Joe Direct driven by Nelson in the 2.20 Pace at the Oxford County Fair races, South Paris, Maine, Sept. 1, 1927.

Of particular note in this photo is a piece of equipment identified by Donnie Richards of Yarmouth, Maine as a "knee spreader" used to prevent the horse from hitting his knees and causing injury while running at full trot. The knee spreader, rarely used in the period and no longer used today, is attached to the shaft of the sulky as well as the outside of the horse's foot. The strap extending down the horse's leg is a knee boot, also designed to prevent injury from the horse hitting his knees together while racing.