Temporary horseshoe

Add to album

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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-001-813-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Hipposandal / horseshoe
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Hipposandal / horseshoe
  
• Subject:
• Who: Newstead Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
  
• Event:
• Description: Iron hipposandal, or temporary horseshoe, from Newstead, Roxburghshire
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: