How to Preserve Relic Horseshoes

Western and horse-themed antiques and collectibles are popular with many who decorate with an equine motif. Preserving horseshoes that have some kind of personal or historical significance is a good way to create a unique and interesting piece of equine memorabilia. How you display your horseshoe relic is a matter of personal preference and taste. Preserving relic horse items, including horseshoes, requires some basic planning and preparation.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire brush
  • Cleaning agent
  • Shadow box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean up the horseshoe by using a wire brush to remove dirt and grime. Wash the horseshoe in a mild cleaning solution. Older horseshoes were typically made of steel; newer horseshoes are made of aluminum.

    • 2

      Gather items that signify your relic horseshoe's significance. For example, if you want to save the shoe because it was worn by a famous racehorse during an important race, then newspaper clippings, ticket stubs, and race memorabilia are good things to display with the shoe.

    • 3

      Determine how you want to display your relic horseshoe. Put it in a shadow box or other memorabilia display case. The horseshoe needs to be stored in a cool, dry place to keep it from rusting or corroding over time. Arrange the horseshoe and memorabilia to make an interesting display that tells a story.