The Lore Of The Lucky Horseshoe
From four-leaf clovers to rabbit’s feet, many symbols have been considered good luck charms throughout history. Among these, the lucky horseshoe stands out as a common symbol of luck and protection. It’s March, which means St. Patrick’s Day (17th), brings the Luck O’ The Irish into play, so channeling good luck in any form seems like a smart idea. Being horse people we naturally gravitate to the horseshoe as our lucky charm of choice!
Why Are Horseshoes Lucky?
Let’s take a deep dive into the mystique of the lucky Horseshoe! Although the origins are not exactly known, it is believed that the horseshoe became the symbol of luck when the eighth-century Chaldeans thought its crescent shape represented various moon goddesses thus protecting against the curse of the evil eye.
The Irish Connection
In the Irish story of the blacksmith and the devil, one day in 969 AD, a blacksmith named St. Dunstan, the patron saint of blacksmiths in the Catholic Church, tricked the devil. There are several versions to the story but all agree that in the legend St. Dunstan shoed the Devil’s cloven hoof with great force and pain. The devil was in such excruciating pain, that he ripped the horseshoes off and swore he would never go near one again. He agreed to never enter over a threshold with a horseshoe nailed above it, fearing the tiny crescent-shaped object. A lucky charm to ward off evil was born. It is thought that the horseshoe acts as a protective device when the heel ends point down and a channel of good luck when the heels point up. (I have mine pointing up!)
Ironclad Superstitions
Early Western Europeans believed that horseshoes, which were most commonly forged from iron at the time, were lucky because iron could drive away evil. Many folktales from the region tell that mischievous and malicious fairies are kept at bay by iron. These early pagan Europeans also found the crescent moon shape of horseshoes to be a symbol of fertility and good luck.
In the Middle Ages, horseshoes gained extra lucky power because of the heightened fear of witchcraft. Witches were thought to be afraid of horses, explaining why they traveled on brooms. They were scared of anything that reminded them of the animal, including horseshoes. It is said that a horseshoe can repel a witch just as a crucifix might repel a vampire.
Lucky 7
Traditionally, the number of holes in a horseshoe is also symbolic. Horseshoes had seven holes used to hold them in the hoof. Seven is considered a number engraved in nature and, therefore, good luck. Seven continents, seven days in a week, seven seas, seven continents, seven colors of the rainbow, and even the seven dwarfs!
7 Types Of Horseshoes
There are many types of horseshoes that farriers use depending on
- the shape or structure of the horse (also known as conformation)
- size and weight
- age
- working and living terrain
- workload (for example, towing farm equipment)
- action (shows, competitions, etc.)
Let’s take a look at some common, and not-so-common styles and their use!
1. U-Shaped Regular Shoe
The standard U-shaped shoe made out of steel is a choice farriers will choose for your horse if your horse doesn’t have any other mobility-related special requirements.
2. Rim Shoe
This shoe features a much deeper groove and will give your horse more traction if it regularly competes in timed events where its speed, turning, and agility are critical.
3. Bar Shoe
If your horse has suffered a foot injury, a farrier may use this type of shoe to keep its hoof together.
4. Egg Bar Shoe
Similar to the bar shoe, this alternative is oval-shaped and extends past the heel. The extra extension of this shoe provides the horse with more support than a regular bar shoe.
5. Heart Bar Shoe
In case of laminitis, a horse will need extra support to its frog, the highly-sensitive V-shaped structure on the underside of the hoof structure. A heart-bar shoe is another excellent alternative for a horse needing additional foot support.
6. Clipped Shoes
When the coffin bone is fractured, a clipped shoe will provide a sturdier base for the horse. Also useful for horses that lose their shoes more easily.
White Turf Shoe
The farrier uses these for snow polo, snow racing, and skijoring. Kerckhaert Kings Plate shoes–to which are rivetted pink plastic Luwex snow-rim pads. It’s important to remember that the horses are shod this way only temporarily; these shoes would be illegal in most European countries on turf racecourses. Check out our winter horse sport post for details!
To Shoe Or Not To Shoe?
Why are horseshoes lucky? Now that you know, we can explore the question To Shoe Or Not To Shoe? Ask The Barngoddess, of course!
Good Luck!
