It is about 3 inches tall and 3½ inches wide. In the center is a 3D picture of two horses nuzzled together in the snow with a stand of trees and a snowman in the background. There is a ½ inch wide wood looking frame around the picture and an off white banner across the top of the frame that reads ‘First Christmas Together.’ The right side of the frame has a red lariat draped down the side and along the bottom and connects to a Christmas wreath. Beside the wreath is a silver horseshoe for good luck. Select this link to view our Western Christmas Ornaments.
What are Horseshoes?
A horseshoe is a "U" shaped item made of metal or of modern synthetic materials, nailed or glued to the hooves of horses and some other draught animals. Like a shoe on a human, it is used to protect the animal's feet from wear and tear. Professional horseshoers, called farriers, usually place horseshoes on the outer surface of the hoof by nailing through the insensitive hoof wall, which is similar to the human toenail, though much larger and thicker. Some horseshoes have protrusions at the toe or heels of the shoe, to provide additional traction. Select this link to view our Dangling Cowboy Outfit.
Horseshoes are available in a wide variety of materials and styles, developed for different types of horses and the work they do. The most common materials are steel and aluminum, but specialized shoes may include use of rubber, plastic, magnesium, titanium or copper. Steel tends to be preferred in sports where a strong, long wearing shoe is needed, such as polo, show jumping, and western riding events. Aluminum shoes are lighter, making them common in horse racing, where a lighter shoe is desired. Select this link to view our Rodeo Cowgirl.
Horseshoes are considered a good luck charm in many cultures. The shape, fabrication, placement, and manner of sourcing are all important. A common tradition is that if a horseshoe is hung on a door with the two ends pointing up then good luck will occur. However, if the two ends point downwards then bad luck will occur. Traditions do differ on this point, though. In some cultures, the horseshoe is hung points down, so the luck pours onto you. In others, it is hung points up, so the luck doesn't fall out. Still in others it doesn't matter so long as the horseshoe has been used, not new, was found, not purchased, and can be touched. In all traditions, luck is contained in the shoe and can pour out through the ends. Select this link to view our Bunch of Chili Peppers.
What is a Mustang?
A Mustang is a free roaming feral horse of the North American west. It first descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish.
In 1971, the United States Congress recognized Mustangs as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” Today, Mustang herds vary in the degree to which they can be traced to original Iberian horses. Some contain a greater genetic mixture of ranch stock and more recent breed releases. Others are relatively unchanged from the original Iberian stock, most strongly represented in the most isolated populations. Select this link to view our Boot Full of Chili Peppers.