Horseshoe: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
imported>OAbot m Open access bot: url-access updated in citation with #oabot. |
imported>Sigehelmus m →Superstition: subsection gone |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
[[File:Variety of horseshoes, including aluminum racing plates and shoes used on cattle in lower right.jpg|thumb|A variety of horseshoes, including aluminum racing plates (light or dark); there is also a variety of [[ox#Shoeing|oxshoe]]s at the lower right]] | [[File:Variety of horseshoes, including aluminum racing plates and shoes used on cattle in lower right.jpg|thumb|A variety of horseshoes, including aluminum racing plates (light or dark); there is also a variety of [[ox#Shoeing|oxshoe]]s at the lower right]] | ||
A '''horseshoe''' is a | A '''horseshoe''' is a piece of [[equestrianism|equestrian]] equipment that protects a [[horse hoof]] from [[wear]]. Shoes are attached on the palmar surface (ground side) of the hooves, usually [[nail (engineering)|nail]]ed through the insensitive hoof wall, anatomically akin to the human [[Nail (anatomy)|toenail]]. Horseshoes can also be [[glue]]d in certain situations. | ||
Horseshoes are available in a wide variety of materials and styles, developed for different types of horses and for the work they do. The most common materials are [[steel]] and [[aluminium]], but specialized shoes may include use of [[rubber]], [[plastic]], [[magnesium]], [[titanium]], or [[copper]].<ref name=Catalog84>Price, Steven D. (ed.) ''The Whole Horse Catalog: Revised and Updated'' New York:Fireside 1998 {{ISBN|0-684-83995-4}}, pp. 84–87.</ref> Steel tends to be preferred in sports in which a strong, long-wearing shoe is needed, such as [[polo]], [[eventing]], [[show jumping]], and [[western riding]] events. Aluminium shoes are lighter, making them common in [[horse racing]] where a lighter shoe is desired, and often facilitate certain types of movement; they are often favored in the discipline of [[dressage]].<ref name=Evans731>Evans, J. Warren, et al. ''The Horse''. Second edition, New York: Freeman, 1990, {{ISBN|0-7167-1811-1}}, pp. 731–739.</ref> Some horseshoes have "[[caulkin]]s", "caulks", or "calks": protrusions at the toe or heels of the shoe, or both, to provide additional traction. | Horseshoes are available in a wide variety of materials and styles, developed for different types of horses and for the work they do. The most common materials are [[steel]] and [[aluminium]], but specialized shoes may include use of [[rubber]], [[plastic]], [[magnesium]], [[titanium]], or [[copper]].<ref name=Catalog84>Price, Steven D. (ed.) ''The Whole Horse Catalog: Revised and Updated'' New York:Fireside 1998 {{ISBN|0-684-83995-4}}, pp. 84–87.</ref> Steel tends to be preferred in sports in which a strong, long-wearing shoe is needed, such as [[polo]], [[eventing]], [[show jumping]], and [[western riding]] events. Aluminium shoes are lighter, making them common in [[horse racing]] where a lighter shoe is desired, and often facilitate certain types of movement; they are often favored in the discipline of [[dressage]].<ref name=Evans731>Evans, J. Warren, et al. ''The Horse''. Second edition, New York: Freeman, 1990, {{ISBN|0-7167-1811-1}}, pp. 731–739.</ref> Some horseshoes have "[[caulkin]]s", "caulks", or "calks": protrusions at the toe or heels of the shoe, or both, to provide additional traction. | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
The fitting of horseshoes is a professional occupation, conducted by a [[farrier]], who specializes in the preparation of feet, assessing potential lameness issues, and fitting appropriate shoes, including remedial features where required. In some countries, such as the UK, horseshoeing is legally restricted to people with specific qualifications and experience. In others, such as the United States, where professional licensing is not legally required, professional organizations provide certification programs that publicly identify qualified individuals. | The fitting of horseshoes is a professional occupation, conducted by a [[farrier]], who specializes in the preparation of feet, assessing potential lameness issues, and fitting appropriate shoes, including remedial features where required. In some countries, such as the UK, horseshoeing is legally restricted to people with specific qualifications and experience. In others, such as the United States, where professional licensing is not legally required, professional organizations provide certification programs that publicly identify qualified individuals. | ||
When kept as a [[talisman]], a horseshoe is said to bring good [[luck]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wideopencountry.com/heres-people-hang-horseshoes-doors/|title=The Legend Behind Horseshoes For Good Luck Involves The Devil Himself|last=Smith|first=Lindi|date=2019-01-18|website=Wide Open Country|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-13}}</ref> A stylized variation of the horseshoe is used for a popular throwing game, [[Horseshoes (game)|horseshoes]]. | The crescent shape of the horseshoe is a popular symbol of equestrianism throughout society. When kept as a [[talisman]], a horseshoe is said to bring good [[luck]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wideopencountry.com/heres-people-hang-horseshoes-doors/|title=The Legend Behind Horseshoes For Good Luck Involves The Devil Himself|last=Smith|first=Lindi|date=2019-01-18|website=Wide Open Country|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-13}}</ref> A stylized variation of the horseshoe is used for a popular throwing game, [[Horseshoes (game)|horseshoes]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
[[File:Easyboot.jpg|thumb|A [[hoof boot]]]] | [[File:Easyboot.jpg|thumb|A [[hoof boot]]]] | ||
[[File:Tule horseshoe.jpg|right|thumb|An oversized horseshoe for soft soil to distribute horse's weight]] | [[File:Tule horseshoe.jpg|right|thumb|An oversized horseshoe for soft soil to distribute horse's weight]] | ||
Historians differ on the origin of the horseshoe.<ref name=Krebs27/> Because [[iron]] was a valuable commodity, and any worn out items were generally reforged and reused, it is difficult to locate clear [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence.<ref name="vegetius">{{Cite web|url=http://www.horseshoes.com/advice/invtshoe/winvhrs.htm |title=Who Invented Horseshoeing? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980208011824/http://www.horseshoes.com/advice/invtshoe/winvhrs.htm |archive-date=8 February 1998 }}{{dubious|date=October 2012}} Archived 8 February 1998.</ref> | Historians differ on the origin of the horseshoe.<ref name=Krebs27/> Because [[iron]] was a valuable commodity, and any worn out items were generally reforged and reused, it is difficult to locate clear [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence.<ref name="vegetius">{{Cite web|url=http://www.horseshoes.com/advice/invtshoe/winvhrs.htm |title=Who Invented Horseshoeing? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980208011824/http://www.horseshoes.com/advice/invtshoe/winvhrs.htm |archive-date=8 February 1998 }}{{dubious|date=October 2012}} Archived 8 February 1998.</ref> There is no hard evidence to support the claim that the [[Druid]]s invented the horse shoe.<ref name=Krebs27/> In 1897 four bronze horseshoes with what are apparently nail holes were found in an Etruscan tomb dated around 400 BC.<ref name="Thayer">{{cite journal |journal=[[American Journal of Archaeology]] |volume=6|issue=4|pages=398–403|url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Journals/AJA/6/4/Etruscan_Horseshoes*.html |first=W. N. |last=Bates|title=Etruscan Horseshoes from Corneto|year=1902 |access-date=1 November 2015 |doi=10.2307/496665 |jstor=496665|s2cid=191408516|url-access=subscription}}</ref> [[Catullus]] (died 54 BC) mentioned "mule shoes," which some historians interpret as evidence that the Romans invented them after 100 BC.<ref name=Krebs27>Robert E. Krebs, ''Groundbreaking Scientific Experiments, Inventions, and Discoveries of the Ancient World'', {{ISBN|0313313423}}, (Greenword/ABC-CLIO), pp. 27–28.</ref> However, these references to use of horseshoes and muleshoes in Rome may have been to the "hipposandal"—leather boots, reinforced by an iron plate, rather than to nailed horseshoes.<ref name=SciAm117>Rodney Carlisle, ''Scientific American Inventions and Discoveries'' (2 August 2004), {{ISBN|0471244104}}, John Wiley, p. 117.</ref> A horseshoe, complete with nails, was found in the tomb of the Frankish King [[Childeric I]] at [[Tournai]], Belgium, dated to the fifth century AD.<ref name="Britannica 15th">"Horseshoe." ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. 15th edn. Vol. 20. 2005. 651–51. Print.</ref> | ||
Existing references to the nailed shoe are relatively late, first known to have appeared around AD | Existing written references to the nailed shoe are relatively late, first known to have appeared around AD 900. The earliest clear written record of iron horseshoes is a reference to "crescent figured irons and their nails" in AD 910.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7x5AAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA10-PA33 |title=An essay on the knowledge of the ancients respecting the art of shoeing the horse, and of the probable period of the commencement of this art |first=Bracy |last=Clark |year=1831 |page=33}}</ref> By 973, occasional written mentions of nailed horseshoes can be found.<ref name=SciAm117/> | ||
Around 1000 AD, cast [[bronze]] horseshoes with nail holes became common in Europe. A design with a scalloped outer rim and six nail holes was common.<ref name="Cohen"/> According to Gordon Ward the scalloped edges were created by double punching the nail holes causing the edges to bulge.<ref name="ward">{{cite book |last1=Ward |first1=Gordon |title=On dating old horse-shoes |date=1939 |publisher=The Museum |location=Hull}}</ref> The 13th and 14th centuries brought the widespread manufacturing of iron horseshoes.<ref name="Bellis">{{Cite web|first=Mary |last=Bellis |url=http://theinventors.org/library/inventors/blhorseshoe.htm |title=Horseshoes, Nails, Saddles, and Riding |publisher=TheInventors.org |date=16 June 2010 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> By the time of the [[Crusades]] (1096–1270), horseshoes were widespread and frequently mentioned in various written sources.<ref name="vegetius"/> In that period, due to the value of iron, horseshoes were even accepted in lieu of coin to pay taxes.<ref name=Cohen/> | Around 1000 AD, cast [[bronze]] horseshoes with nail holes became common in Europe. A design with a scalloped outer rim and six nail holes was common.<ref name="Cohen"/> According to Gordon Ward the scalloped edges were created by double punching the nail holes causing the edges to bulge.<ref name="ward">{{cite book |last1=Ward |first1=Gordon |title=On dating old horse-shoes |date=1939 |publisher=The Museum |location=Hull}}</ref> The 13th and 14th centuries brought the widespread manufacturing of iron horseshoes.<ref name="Bellis">{{Cite web|first=Mary |last=Bellis |url=http://theinventors.org/library/inventors/blhorseshoe.htm |title=Horseshoes, Nails, Saddles, and Riding |publisher=TheInventors.org |date=16 June 2010 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> By the time of the [[Crusades]] (1096–1270), horseshoes were widespread and frequently mentioned in various written sources.<ref name="vegetius"/> In that period, due to the value of iron, horseshoes were even accepted in lieu of coin to pay taxes.<ref name=Cohen/> | ||
| Line 53: | Line 53: | ||
==Process of shoeing== | ==Process of shoeing== | ||
{{See also|Farrier}} | {{See also|Farrier}} | ||
[[File:Edwin Henry Landseer (1802-1873) - Shoeing - N00606 - National Gallery.jpg|thumb|''[[Shoeing (painting)|Shoeing]]'' by [[Edwin Landseer]], 1844]] | |||
Shoeing, when performed correctly, causes no pain to the animal. Farriers trim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.farriernearme.com/az/mesa/|title=Mesa Horse Farrier Services {{!}} Arizona Horseshoeing {{!}} Farrier Near Me™|website=www.farriernearme.com|access-date=10 April 2019|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410222114/https://www.farriernearme.com/az/mesa/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the insensitive part of the hoof, which is the same area into which they drive the nails. This is analogous to a [[manicure]] on a human fingernail, only on a much larger scale.<ref name=Catalog84/> | Shoeing, when performed correctly, causes no pain to the animal. Farriers trim<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.farriernearme.com/az/mesa/|title=Mesa Horse Farrier Services {{!}} Arizona Horseshoeing {{!}} Farrier Near Me™|website=www.farriernearme.com|access-date=10 April 2019|archive-date=10 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410222114/https://www.farriernearme.com/az/mesa/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the insensitive part of the hoof, which is the same area into which they drive the nails. This is analogous to a [[manicure]] on a human fingernail, only on a much larger scale.<ref name=Catalog84/> | ||
Before beginning to shoe, the farrier removes the old shoe using pincers (shoe pullers) and trims the hoof wall to the desired length with nippers, a sharp pliers-like tool, and the sole and [[frog (horse)|frog]] of the hoof with a hoof knife. Shoes do not allow the hoof to wear down as it naturally would in the wild, and it can then become too long. The coffin bone inside the hoof should line up straight with both bones in the [[pastern]]. If the excess hoof is not trimmed, the bones will become misaligned, which would place stress on the legs of the animal.<ref name=Evans742>Evans, J. Warren, et al. ''The Horse''. Second edition | Before beginning to shoe, the farrier removes the old shoe using pincers (shoe pullers) and trims the hoof wall to the desired length with nippers, a sharp pliers-like tool, and the sole and [[frog (horse)|frog]] of the hoof with a hoof knife. Shoes do not allow the hoof to wear down as it naturally would in the wild, and it can then become too long. The coffin bone inside the hoof should line up straight with both bones in the [[pastern]]. If the excess hoof is not trimmed, the bones will become misaligned, which would place stress on the legs of the animal.<ref name=Evans742>Evans, J. Warren, et al. (1990). ''The Horse''. Second edition. New York: Freeman. pp. 742–747. {{ISBN|0-7167-1811-1}}.</ref> | ||
Shoes are then measured to the foot and bent to the correct shape using a hammer, anvil, forge, and other modifications, such as taps for [[Caulkin|shoe studs]], are added. Farriers may either cold shoe, in which they bend the metal shoe without heating it, or hot shoe, in which they place the metal in a forge before bending it. Hot shoeing can be more time-consuming, and requires the farrier to have access to a forge; however, it usually provides a better fit, as the mark made on the hoof from the hot shoe can show how even it lies. It also allows the farrier to make more modifications to the shoe, such as drawing toe- and quarter-clips. The farrier must take care not to hold the hot shoe against the hoof too long, as the heat can damage the hoof.<ref name=Evans742/> | Shoes are then measured to the foot and bent to the correct shape using a hammer, anvil, forge, and other modifications, such as taps for [[Caulkin|shoe studs]], are added. Farriers may either cold shoe, in which they bend the metal shoe without heating it, or hot shoe, in which they place the metal in a forge before bending it. Hot shoeing can be more time-consuming, and requires the farrier to have access to a forge; however, it usually provides a better fit, as the mark made on the hoof from the hot shoe can show how even it lies. It also allows the farrier to make more modifications to the shoe, such as drawing toe- and quarter-clips. The farrier must take care not to hold the hot shoe against the hoof too long, as the heat can damage the hoof.<ref name=Evans742/> | ||
| Line 63: | Line 65: | ||
The farrier then uses a rasp (large file), to smooth the edge where it meets the shoe and eliminate any sharp edges left from cutting off the nails.<ref name=Evans742/> | The farrier then uses a rasp (large file), to smooth the edge where it meets the shoe and eliminate any sharp edges left from cutting off the nails.<ref name=Evans742/> | ||
<gallery | <gallery class="center" mode=packed heights=240px> | ||
Hot Horseshoe (stevefe).jpg|A hot horseshoe in a [[forge]] | Hot Horseshoe (stevefe).jpg|A hot horseshoe in a [[forge]] | ||
Farrier toolslabled.JPG|Farrier tools | Farrier toolslabled.JPG|Farrier tools | ||
| Line 72: | Line 74: | ||
==In culture== | ==In culture== | ||
===Superstition=== | ===Superstition=== | ||
{{See also|Iron in mythology | {{See also|Iron in mythology|Hippomancy}} | ||
[[File:Horseshoe lucky on door.jpg|thumb|A horseshoe on a door is regarded as a protective [[talisman]] in some cultures.]] | [[File:Horseshoe lucky on door.jpg|thumb|A horseshoe on a door is regarded as a protective [[talisman]] in some cultures.]] | ||
Horseshoes have long been considered lucky. They were originally made of iron, a material that was believed to ward off evil spirits, and traditionally were held in place with seven nails, seven being the luckiest number.<ref name=CSI>{{cite web|title=Superstition Bash: Horseshoes|date=13 January 2004|url=http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/horseshoes/|publisher=Committee for Skeptical Inquiry}}</ref> | Horseshoes have long been considered lucky or fortuitous. They were originally made of iron, a material that was believed to ward off evil spirits, and traditionally were held in place with seven nails, seven being the luckiest number.<ref name=CSI>{{cite web|title=Superstition Bash: Horseshoes|date=13 January 2004|url=http://www.csicop.org/superstition/library/horseshoes/|publisher=Committee for Skeptical Inquiry}}</ref> | ||
The tradition of using worn horseshoes as protective charms dates back to Europe, where they were often placed above or beside doorways. This practice aimed to guard homes, barns, and stables, and remnants of this custom can still be seen across regions like Italy, Germany, Britain, and Scandinavia. Horseshoe-shaped wall decorations are also common. In the Middle East, blue-glazed terra cotta horseshoe plaques are widely used, while in Turkey, metal or blue glass horseshoes are combined with the "all-seeing eye" to create distinctive protective talismans believed to ward off the evil eye. | The tradition of using worn horseshoes as protective charms dates back to Europe, where they were often placed above or beside doorways. This practice aimed to guard homes, barns, and stables, and remnants of this custom can still be seen across regions like Italy, Germany, Britain, and Scandinavia. Horseshoe-shaped wall decorations are also common. In the Middle East, blue-glazed terra cotta horseshoe plaques are widely used, while in Turkey, metal or blue glass horseshoes are combined with the "all-seeing eye" to create distinctive protective talismans believed to ward off the evil eye. | ||
| Line 101: | Line 103: | ||
Blacksmiths and Horseshoes also have a connection. Blacksmiths themselves were historically considered lucky and revered for their craft, as they worked with fire and iron, both seen as powerful and protective elements. Their association with luck extended to the horseshoes they forged, which became symbols of protection and good fortune. Blacksmiths often hung horseshoes with the ends pointing down, believing this orientation would allow blessings and luck to pour onto their work.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2016-12-02 |title=Horseshoes - As Luck Would Have It |url=https://bouldercountyopenspace.org/i/history/horseshoes/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Images |language=en-US}}</ref> | Blacksmiths and Horseshoes also have a connection. Blacksmiths themselves were historically considered lucky and revered for their craft, as they worked with fire and iron, both seen as powerful and protective elements. Their association with luck extended to the horseshoes they forged, which became symbols of protection and good fortune. Blacksmiths often hung horseshoes with the ends pointing down, believing this orientation would allow blessings and luck to pour onto their work.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=2016-12-02 |title=Horseshoes - As Luck Would Have It |url=https://bouldercountyopenspace.org/i/history/horseshoes/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Images |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
===Heraldry=== | ===Heraldry=== | ||
In heraldry, horseshoes most often occur as [[canting arms|canting]] charges, such as in the arms of families with names like Farrier, Marshall, and Smith. A horseshoe (together with two hammers) also appears in the arms of [[London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham|Hammersmith and Fulham]], a borough in London.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of|url=http://civicheraldry.co.uk/great_london.html#hammersmith%20and%20fulham%20lb|publisher=Civic Heraldry of England and Wales}}</ref> | In heraldry, horseshoes most often occur as [[canting arms|canting]] charges, such as in the arms of families with names like Farrier, Marshall, and Smith. A horseshoe (together with two hammers) also appears in the arms of [[London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham|Hammersmith and Fulham]], a borough in London.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of|url=http://civicheraldry.co.uk/great_london.html#hammersmith%20and%20fulham%20lb|publisher=Civic Heraldry of England and Wales}}</ref> | ||
| Line 127: | Line 130: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Horseshoes}} | {{Commons category|Horseshoes}} | ||
*[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14990/14990-h/14990-h.htm#art16 Historical development of the horseshoe] | * "[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14990/14990-h/14990-h.htm#art16 Historical development of the horseshoe]"—1891 ''[[Scientific American]]'' article from [[Project Gutenberg]] | ||
*[https://archive.today/20041110184345/http://www.gutenberg.net/etext/13978 The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil] by Edward G. Flight, illustrated by [[George Cruikshank]], published in 1871, and available from [[Project Gutenberg]] | * ''[https://archive.today/20041110184345/http://www.gutenberg.net/etext/13978 The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil]'' by Edward G. Flight, illustrated by [[George Cruikshank]], published in 1871, and available from [[Project Gutenberg]] | ||
*[https://merl.reading.ac.uk/collections/mair-horseshoe-collector/ Mair] and [https://merl.reading.ac.uk/collections/dicken-horseshoe-collector/ Dicken] collections of historical horseshoes in the [[Museum of English Rural Life]] | * [https://merl.reading.ac.uk/collections/mair-horseshoe-collector/ Mair] and [https://merl.reading.ac.uk/collections/dicken-horseshoe-collector/ Dicken] collections of historical horseshoes in the [[Museum of English Rural Life]] | ||
{{Horse equipment}} | {{Horse equipment}} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
[[Category:Horseshoes| ]] | |||
[[Category:Equine hoof]] | [[Category:Equine hoof]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Farriery]] | ||
[[Category:Heraldic charges]] | [[Category:Heraldic charges]] | ||
[[Category:Lucky symbols]] | [[Category:Lucky symbols]] | ||
[[Category:Objects believed to protect from evil]] | [[Category:Objects believed to protect from evil]] | ||
[[Category:Talismans]] | [[Category:Talismans]] | ||