Personalised, lucky horseshoes
Bespoke horseshoes make a perfect and unique gift. I paint used horseshoes with canalart and a short inscription. Below, in the gallery, you will see recent examples of bespoke horseshoes for weddings, narrowboats, new homes and even the occasional birth.
As well as life events I also paint memorial ‘shoes for horse owners. Therefore a number of lovely customers have trusted me with their beloved horse’s shoe which I have then painted for them. I ask that all nails are removed and that you clean the ‘shoe as best you can. Please do message if you require a memorial shoe.
Horses, their shoes and canals
Working horses played a huge role on the canals during the working boat era. Similarly, horses were also used for heavy work along the canal. Incredibly, some horses and mules were still used for boat hauling well into the 1960s. Its fair to say horses have played a long role in canal history.
Horseshoes have long been thought to be lucky across the UK. In some areas of the UK horseshoes point upwards, but in other places they point downwards. I am happy to paint your bespoke horseshoe either way.
Bespoke Horseshoes Sizes
Farriers supply all of my used horseshoes. As a result they are usually a variety of shapes and sizes. I do my best to match the horseshoe to the job. Sometimes I am lucky enough to have extra large shoes. (I am glad just to have the shoe and not the horse…).
The extra large shoes make a very impressive piece. Importantly they have enough space for me to be able to paint larger roses. Overall this increases the impact of the bespoke horseshoe.
The process
It’s fair to say horseshoe painting is labour intensive. Firstly, they need cleaning, this might also include removing nails. Next, any remaining muck is removed after drying and before sanding. Finally, the painting begins, multiple layers are needed before personalising and finishing.
Prices for bespoke horseshoes
A standard horseshoe with roses plus short inscription is £25. Additionally, I sometimes have large shire horseshoes in stock, do message for details and price. If you require flowers other than roses and daisies please ask me for a quote. Finally, keep your inscription short, I am happy to consider all inscription requests, but sometimes your wording might not fit. Postage is an additional £4.20 standard second class or free collection when I am trading from Pea Green
How to order and timescale
To order a bespoke horseshoe message me via social media or email. Once confirmed turn around on a horseshoe is usually no more than 10 working days, often less. However, please be mindful that paint takes time to dry! If you want to post me a horseshoe just message and I will provide details of how to post it to me.
To order simply contact me via email, Facebook, or Instagram . I usually respond within a couple of hours. When it comes to payment I prefer a BACS transfer. Payment is due within 7 days.
Recent horseshoe commissions, including: weddings, housewarming, retirement, birthday, log-cabin, boats, and friends.
