The Horse Shoe Lady

Unique and individual equine gifts.

The tradition of the horseshoe as a good luck symbol goes back to pre-Christian times where the supernatural powers were associated with the shape of a crescent moon which was thought to enhance fertility.
Maybe that was where the idea of the bride carrying a lucky horseshoe was based. If so, it was the Greeks who associated the crescent moon with fertility.

The true origin of the folklore of the lucky horseshoe a Bride carries today is lost within many different tales and sayings. Because the horseshoe is " U " shaped, to retain the good luck forever it is essential that the horseshoe is hung by the ribbons which are attached to the heels of the shoe. The horseshoe should not be turned upside down or else all the good luck of the marriage may fall out.

Maybe that was where the idea of the bride carrying a lucky horseshoe was based. If so, it was the Greeks who associated the crescent moon with fertility.

One reputed origin of the tradition of lucky horseshoes is the story of Saint Dunstan and the Devil. Dunstan, who would become the Archbishop of Canterbury in AD 959, was a blacksmith by trade. The story relates that he once nailed a horseshoe to the Devil's hoof when he was asked to reshoe the Devil's horse. This caused the Devil great pain, and Dunstan only agreed to remove the shoe and release the Devil after the Devil promised never to enter a place where a horseshoe is hung over the door.

Horseshoes must not be new, but already worn and fallen off to be magical. and preferably given as a gift. Being made of metal, the conjoining of the two basic elements of rock and fire, the shoe carries magic within.
Also some believe that if guests come to a house where a horseshoe is above the door. If they enter through that door they must leave the same way or they will take the luck from the horseshoe with them from your house.