The more nails a horseshoe has, the more good luck it brings.

More Nails, More Luck: The Horseshoe Superstition

Details

The superstition holds that a horseshoe, when displayed in a home or building, brings good fortune—especially if it contains more nails. Traditionally, horseshoes are either nailed to a surface or hung above doorways. Those who believe in the superstition pay attention to both the orientation of the horseshoe (open-end up to ‘catch’ luck or down to ‘pour’ luck onto those who enter) and, in some cases, the number of nails used to affix it. The presence of more nails is believed to increase its potency as a charm. In some versions of the belief, odd numbers of nails—especially seven—are considered especially fortunate.

Historical Context

The horseshoe has been regarded as a lucky talisman since at least the Middle Ages in Europe. Blacksmiths, seen as magical figures because they worked with fire and iron, crafted horseshoes, and iron itself was believed to repel evil. Hanging a horseshoe at a home’s entryway became a widespread European tradition meant to ward off evil spirits and ensure household protection. The idea that more nails enhanced its power likely emerged from the symbolic association between structural integrity, craftsmanship, and mystic strength. As iron nails were once expensive, a shoe with many nails could also signify wealth or strength, further tying material success to magical protection.

Modern Relevance

Today, the superstition surrounding horseshoes continues to be practiced in many Western cultures, particularly in rural or traditional communities. Horseshoes are often given as wedding gifts or used in home decor, with people still debating whether they should be hung up or down. While fewer people count the nails specifically, some antique collectors and folk practitioners still reference this idea. On social media and in wellness circles, the horseshoe frequently appears as a good luck motif, though the nuance of ‘more nails equals more luck’ is less commonly emphasized.

Sources

Opie, Iona & Opie, Moira. The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren. Oxford University Press, 1959.

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