Temporary horseshoe

Temporary horseshoes, also known as hipposandals, were used by the Romans for temporary protection on horses' hooves. This iron example was found during excavations of the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It dates from sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The horseshoe is damaged and corroded, missing both side pieces.

Since horses were not normally ridden over hard ground, most went unshod. The Romans sometimes fitted temporary horseshoes, which were folded rather than nailed around the hoof, when rough and hard ground had to be crossed.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-813-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FRA 504
Date:	Between 80 and 180 AD
Material:	Iron; imperfect; both sides with pieces lacking
Dimensions:
What:	Hipposandal / horseshoe
Subject:
Who:	Newstead Collection
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description:	Iron hipposandal, or temporary horseshoe, from Newstead, Roxburghshire
References:
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