Nailless Horseshoe
This horseshoe consists of two articulated parts, with three serrated cleats underneath. It was closed by a heavy screw and bolt at the back, now lost, passing through the two pierced brackets.
Nailless shoes were used on a hoof with a horn wall too damaged to nail a regular shoe, or for a horse that has to walk on gravel or small stones, which is probably the case for this one. Indeed the three elements placed underneath, acting as cleats, would have been very uncomfortable to wear on a flat regular surface, but would have been useful on small stones, preventing the hoof's sole to be scratched and hurt by elevating it and giving it some grip.
Nailless shoes were used on a hoof with a horn wall too damaged to nail a regular shoe, or for a horse that has to walk on gravel or small stones, which is probably the case for this one. Indeed the three elements placed underneath, acting as cleats, would have been very uncomfortable to wear on a flat regular surface, but would have been useful on small stones, preventing the hoof's sole to be scratched and hurt by elevating it and giving it some grip.
Artwork Details
- Title: Nailless Horseshoe
- Date: 18th–19th century
- Culture: European
- Medium: Iron
- Dimensions: L. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); D. 2 5/16 in. (5.9 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 4.4 oz. (579 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1670
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Western European, Langobardic
7th century
Clemens Horn
1600–1625
Spanish, possibly Granada
late 15th–early 16th century
Western European
ca. 1400
Heinrich Heid von Winterthur
dated 1460
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