Temporary horseshoe

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Temporary horseshoes, also known as hipposandals, were used by the Romans for temporary protection of horses' hooves. This iron example comes from Blackburn Mill near Cockburnspath in Berwickshire. This picture shows the bottom of the horseshoe.

The horseshoe was folded rather than nailed around the hoof. This picture clearly shows the spikes on the bottom: three are well preserved and one is broken off.

The Blackburn Mill hoard contained over 65 objects, mainly agricultural tools, deposited in two bronze cauldrons in an area which probably was an ancient lake. The objects are of both Roman and native origin, probably buried as a gift to the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-959-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DW 114
• Date: Between 80 and 200 AD
  
• Material: Wood
  Hipposandal
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Hipposandal
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Cockburnspath, Blackburn Mill
  
• Event:
• Description: Hipposandal from Blackburn Mill
  
• References:
  • Piggott, S. Three metalwork hoards of the Roman period. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 87 (1952-3), 1-50.
• Translations:
• Related Records: