Le fer à cheval… plus qu’un porte bonheur!

The horseshoe… more than a lucky charm!

Tuesday, May 30th

The history of the horseshoe dates back over 2,000 years. The Romans, Greeks, and Chinese were all known for placing horseshoes around their horses' hooves for better traction on rocky trails. But it was only later, with the advent of ranching and western clothing, that the horseshoe became a symbol of western culture.

Ranches were a mainstay of the American economy for centuries, and horses were an essential work tool for cattle ranchers. Horseshoes became a necessity for ranch horses traveling long distances over varied terrain. With the growing popularity of cowboys and western culture, the horseshoe has become an iconic figure of the genre, making its way through western clothing, jewelry and art.

Horseshoes have also become a symbol of luck and protection. People began hanging horseshoes on the doors of their homes to ward off bad luck, and carrying them in their pockets as good luck charms. Cowboys and cattle ranchers also used horseshoes to protect their horses from evil spirits and disease, as well as to ward off adverse winds.

There is even a tradition in western circles of placing a horseshoe above the toilet door to bring luck and good fortune. This tradition spread through western ranches, western restaurants and bars, and became a beloved tradition among western culture enthusiasts.

Today, horseshoes are still a symbol of Western culture, and are often used in Western interior design. From horseshoe hooks to lamps and clocks, horseshoes have found their way into the homes of western lovers. Their unique shapes and storied history have captured people's imaginations, leading to their enduring popularity.

In short, the horseshoe has become a pillar of Western culture thanks to its historical importance to ranches and cattle ranchers, as well as its lucky meaning. This iconic symbol entered western fashion through clothing, jewelry and art, and is a popular decorative item today. The meaning and importance of the horseshoe continues to lie in its power of protection and good luck.