18 fascinating horse-related superstitions explored

Horses, known for their timeless presence, have become deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of British folklore and traditions. From equestrians to racing enthusiasts, many people hold steadfastly to various superstitions connected to these majestic creatures. Let's delve into some intriguing horse-related superstitions that continue to captivate believers across the globe.

1. Avoid sporting new attire when hunting or competing, as it is believed to bring misfortune.

2. Renaming a horse is considered unlucky, carrying a weighty superstition.

3. Green is considered an ill-fated color among equestrians. Even a green handkerchief in the betting ring is believed to attract bad luck.

4. Spotting a single light grey horse is traditionally considered bad luck, except when accompanied by one's lover. On the contrary, encountering two light grey horses together is believed to bring good fortune.

5. The act of hanging a horseshoe outside one's home is thought to bring luck, as it wards off evil spirits. However, debates persist about whether it should be hung right side up or upside down to deter the devil from resting in it.

6. Carrying a horseshoe in one's pocket on the wedding day is said to ensure a blissful marriage.

7. To safeguard butter from witches' theft, place the shoe of a two-year-old filly in the butter churn. A practical solution, given this alleged predicament.

8. A horse neighing outside one's door is deemed an omen of impending illness befalling the family, a somewhat concerning superstition for those boarding their horses at home.

9. Superstitions surround horse coat colors as well. Piebalds are considered lucky, while skewbalds are believed to bring misfortune.

10. For geldings, it is customary to create 13 plaits, and 12 plaits for mares.

11. To ward off bad luck, some believe that an even number of plaits, including the forelock, should be made, regardless of the horse's gender.

12. Recurring dreams of a light grey horse over three consecutive nights foretell the passing of an elderly individual.

13. However, if the dreams involve three light grey colts, it signifies the demise of a young person.

14. A horse appearing in the field disheveled, sweaty, with a tangled mane and tail, is thought to have been ridden by pixies throughout the night.

15. Among the Bedouin and in Romania, dun or buckskin horses are regarded with a superstitious unease.

16. Interestingly, the Hungarians and Spanish perceive black horses as bringers of good luck, while the French and Bedouin consider them as harbingers of misfortune.

17. An ancient rhyme dictates the superstition surrounding horses with white legs. One white leg warrants purchase, whereas two legs require testing the horse. Three white legs signify selling it far away, potentially to foes, and four white legs are believed to bring nothing but ill fate, leading some to consider feeding the horse to crows.

18. In bygone cultures, pledging commitments while on horseback held immense sacred value, as breaking such vows was deemed unimaginable.