The ox shoeing stock - a humble but important artifact on display here at the museum - was used to efficiently and humanely shoe oxen, protecting their feet with iron shoes. Dick Phillips, farrier and museum volunteer, discusses the history of oxen on the Oregon Trail and how the shoeing stock worked.
During the westward expansion of the 19th century, oxen were the preferred animal to pull loaded wagons across the Great Plains and over the mountains. After settling in the west, oxen were also used to pull heavy loads and farm equipment, as well as excelling in logging operations.
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