Iron has been thought to possess magical powers for quite some time and it was also thought that blacksmiths were sorcerers, partly because of the long-held belief that fire could repel demons. So the horseshoe soon became a symbol of good luck.
It is told that the horseshoe legend begins with the story of the devil (in disguise) visiting St.Dunstan, a 10th-century English blacksmith. Despite the Devils disguise, Dunstan recognized him, nailed him to a wall and begun shoeing his cloven hooves until he begged for mercy. Dunstan released the Devil only after he promised never to enter a home where a horseshoe hung over the doorway.
In the U.S. it is a common belief that the horseshoe should be hung with the points up, to keep the luck from spilling out. But in most of Europe people hang their protective horseshoes with the points down so as to pour the luck out over the residents and all who visit there.
Supposedly horseshoes also have the power to turn away witches, cure hiccups, and protect against the evil eye.
It is unknown who invented the first horseshoe. Early Asian horsemen used horse booties made from leather and plants. My what a long way we have come in the world of horses and horse knowledge . Its definitely a thing to be thankful for.
Give your horse a hug.
R.H.
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