The following texts are just a few examples of historical sources that mention the use of horseshoes in warfare from the Middle Ages.

“The Deeds of Frederick Barbarossa” by Otto of Freising (12th century)

This medieval chronicle mentions the significance of horseshoes in the context of the Crusades, highlighting their role in enabling the mobility of mounted knights over long distances.

“The Book of Horsemanship” by Duarte Lobo

This 16th-century Portuguese text mentions the use of horseshoes by knights in the Middle Ages.

“War Horse: Mounting the Cavalry with America’s Finest Horses” by Phil Livingston (2006)

This modern book delves into the history of the United States cavalry and the importance of horseshoes in equipping horses for battle, focusing on their impact during conflicts such as the American Civil War.

“The Complete Book of the Horse” by Jane Holderness-Roddam

This modern text covers the history of horseshoeing and mentions its importance in military campaigns throughout history.

“The Military Invention of Horseshoes; How and Why Horseshoes Were Invented” by David T. Jones

This remarkable modern book explains how military horse hoof protection was developed, mainly against “caltrops”, a four-spiked iron ball or four joined spikes laid upon the ground as a device to lame cavalry horses.

There are many other historical documents, treatises, and texts that also discuss the use of horseshoes and their importance in military campaigns throughout history.

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