Horseshoe

A horseshoe is a "U"-shaped item made of steel, aluminium, rubber, plastic, rawhide or a laminate of these, nailed or glued to the hooves of horses and some other draught animals. Like a shoe on a human, it is used to protect the animal's feet from wear and tear.

Some horseshoes have "calkins" or "caulks", protrusions at the toe and/or heels of the shoe, to provide additional traction. When kept as a talisman, a horseshoe is said to bring good luck. A stylized variation of the horseshoe is used for a popular throwing game, horseshoes.

Horseshoes are available in a wide variety of materials and styles, developed for different types of horses and the work they do. Common materials are steel, aluminum and plastic, and specialized shoes may include use of magnesium, titanium or copper.