Horseshoes have various uses depending on the context, but in general, they are known for:

1. Protecting Horses' Hooves

• Main Function: Horseshoes are used on horses to protect their hooves (the hard part of their feet) from excessive wear or damage when walking or running on hard surfaces like asphalt, stones, or rough terrain.
• Material: They are generally made of iron or steel, although there are also horseshoes made of aluminum, rubber, and other materials for specific needs.
• Benefits:
  • Prevent injuries to the hooves.
  • Improve grip on slippery surfaces.
  • Help correct posture or movement problems in horses.

The Process

1. A hoof pick is used to remove dirt, stones, or mud.
2. Tools such as a hoof knife or hoof trimmer are used to trim the excess hoof, similar to cutting nails.
3. A rasp (a large file) is used to level the hoof's surface.
4. The horseshoe is made to fit the size and shape of the horse's hoof.
5. The appropriate material and design are chosen based on the terrain and the horse's needs.
6. If necessary, the horseshoe is heated and adjusted to the shape of the hoof (hot shoeing).
7. In cold shoeing, a horseshoe is selected that already approximates the hoof's shape and is not heated.
8. Special nails (horseshoe nails) are driven through the holes in the horseshoe and into the outer wall of the hoof, which has no nerve endings, so the horse does not feel pain.
9. The ends of the nails are bent and secured against the hoof wall to fix the horseshoe firmly.
10. The horse's gait is checked to ensure it walks comfortably.
11. Shoeing should be done every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on hoof growth and the horse's activity.
12. If the horse does not work on hard terrain, it can remain barefoot (without shoes), provided its hooves are well cared for.

2. Symbol of Good Luck

• In many cultures, the horseshoe is considered a good luck charm.
• Historical Reason: Its semicircular shape (similar to a crescent moon) and the use of iron (which was once thought to be a magical material that repelled evil) make it a protector against bad luck or evil spirits.
• Placement:
  • In homes, they are often hung on doors.
  • They are placed with the points facing upward (to "collect" luck) or downward (to "spill" luck onto visitors).

3. Decoration and Tradition

• In festivals, equestrian events, or as part of rural culture, horseshoes are also used as decorative items or symbols representing life in the countryside.