It is about 3½ inches tall and hangs from a jute cord. The Horse is gray and wearing a tan cowboy hat and red bandana. The Well is made from stacking horseshoes. The Horse is on a spring so he bounces around inside the Well. 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 Gold Mining Santa.
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 Santa in a Canoe.
When kept as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to bring good luck. A stylized variation of the horseshoe is used for a popular throwing game called horseshoes. Select this link to view our Clay Ornaments.
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 Cowboy Jiggle Down.