The Talismanic History of Horse Shoes
The History Of The Symbol Of The Horseshoe
The horseshoe has a rich historical legacy spanning many years, symbolising the complex bond between humans and horses through time. According to folklore, only used horseshoes are deemed lucky, with each hoof's stride imbuing them with fortune.
Traditionally crafted with seven nail holes to accommodate seven nails, the number seven is revered as the epitome of luck, which is something we always keep to with our sculptures too.
The custom of hanging a horseshoe for luck traces its roots back to at least the 10th century. Incorporating horseshoes into your rituals for prosperity and good fortune adds an extra layer of potency and focus. Even in modern times, it remains one of the foremost symbols of luck and protection, especially when positioned above a doorway with the points facing upward.
Iron, the primary material of horseshoes, is believed to possess magical qualities. Like salt, iron has been utilised for millennia in the realm of witchcraft, rendering it an ideal protective talisman for daily use or wear. Its association with human blood, the essence of life, adds to its innate power. Iron is also found deep in the earth and considered a vital force of the earth.
Lucky Horseshoe Legend
Horseshoes have been a lucky symbol for centuries, with various religions believing in their protective power. In Britain, the most commonly known legend is that of St. Dunstan. There are a few different versions of how the devil appears to St. Dunstan, but this is my favourite.
St. Dunstan was a 10th-century saint who lived a quiet life as a blacksmith in Sussex, England. One day, while working piously at his anvil, the devil, dressed as a beautiful woman, tried to lure him away from his work. However, St. Dunstan noticed the cloven hoofs below the dress. He waited until his tongs were red hot and grabbed the devil by the nose, then nailed a hot horseshoe roughly onto the devil's hoof. The devil howled and screamed for the shoe to be removed, and St. Dunstan agreed on one condition: the devil had to promise to respect the symbol of horseshoes and never enter a building protected by its sign.
To this day, the legend and myths still hold, and we give horseshoes to newlywed couples as fertility gifts. We also gift them to our family and friends to wish them good luck and good fortune.
How Do I Use My Lucky Horseshoe?
Where and how to position your lucky horseshoe? Should it hang above the threshold, heels up to retain luck, or heels down to shower blessings upon inhabitants and repel evil? Placed beside the doorway, inviting touch and bestowing blessings upon entry? These superstitions, varying with time and place, have persisted through generations.
What significance do they hold for us today? While still regarded as fortunate by many, they serve as a poignant reminder of the horses they once adorned. Horseshoes offer insights into our equine companions— their stature, occupation, movement, and even health.
Above all, they encapsulate memories—moments of affection, joy, sorrow, and quiet companionship. These cherished experiences are immortalised within horseshoes.
Our creations honour their historical essence while breathing new life into them. Meticulously handcrafted and tailored to you. Whether cherished as a memento, a modern twist on tradition, or a stylish addition to rural decor, each horseshoe is a testament to its enduring legacy. Because every shoe tells a story...