Did you ever wonder about the history behind the ‘lucky’ horseshoe? I have often visited farms that had a horseshoe nailed above the entranceway into the barn and was curious of its history. So I decided to do some research and find a little bit about the background of this custom.

In many places throughout the world, the horseshoe is supposed to bring luck only if its heels are pointed upwards so that ‘the luck will not run out’. And there are those places that believe just the opposite, that the shoe should be hung downward so that ‘the luck can pour onto you’.

There is some argument as to whether pouring out is a good thing or a bad thing. Some believe that the luck is lost and others that it is released to work its good in the near proximity.

There is the belief, too that if a horse throws a shoe, the luck is lost with it. So for it to be lucky, a horse must wear a horseshoe until it is removed.

Some are of the opinion that the horseshoe must have been worn by a horse at some point in order for it to be lucky. And that the more miles it has travelled, the more luck it can hold. Horses are considered lucky too, and to dream of a horse or to see a horse is particularly fortunate. But, we already knew that, right?

Another interesting theory is that in the old days, horseshoes were usually made of iron and that iron repelled witches and demons. In fact, since horseshoes are associated with blacksmiths, Smithing was considered a lucky profession.

In part of Europe, the location that the horseshoe is nailed, either to the side of a door or above it, is not as important as that the shoe was actually worn and discarded by the horse and that the person who enters the room should be able to touch it.

Long ago it was believed that a horse moving over cobblestones could throw off sparks from it horseshoes, thus being viewed as objects of power.

For a horseshoe to be lucky, it should never be purchased by their owners but always given as a gift by someone wishing them good luck and good health.

In summary, historical views seem to vary about the apparent luck of a horseshoe. Ultimately when it comes down to it, does it really matter what is depicted as the object that possesses luck? What really matters is whether you believe it’s lucky or not.

What do you think? Is there any real luck in a horseshoe?

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