The horseshoe – a lucky charm
Why a horseshoe is considered to bring good luck.
The horseshoe is a symbol of good luck in many cultures, including Europe. The symbol goes back to ancient times, when horses were valuable and indispensable for transport, farming and war.
Horseshoes were traditionally made of iron, which was believed to ward off evil spirits. Their crescent-moon shape has also been associated with fertility and abundance.
A popular legend concerns Saint Dunstan, a medieval blacksmith. He once met the devil in his forge and nailed a horseshoe to the devil’s hoof. The devil begged for mercy, and Dunstan agreed to remove it on the condition that the devil never enter a place where a horseshoe hung above the door. Ever since, people have hung horseshoes over their doors for protection and to attract luck.
The Icelandic horses at Kirkeskovgaard are shod every 6–8 weeks, and the horseshoe you are offered comes from one of them. We cannot promise which horse or which leg – but we can promise that your horseshoe is unique and a lasting memory of your stay.
Annette and Jakob wish you all the best of luck and hope to see you again at Kirkeskovgaard.