[On the origin of the horseshoe. A preliminary report (author’s transl)].

The research article suggests that the origin of the horseshoe can be traced back to China. It proposes the theory that the Mongolian people who constantly interacted and fought with the Chinese learned about horseshoes with nails from them and this technology was spread to Europa by the Huns.

Research Background and Aim

• The research reconsiders the origins of the horseshoe, an essential element in the history and development of human civilization, particularly in transportation and warfare.
• The aim of the study is to prove the theory that the origin of horseshoe technology can be traced back to China, which was later carried over to Europa by the Huns as they moved westwards.

Methodology and Findings

• The researchers draw upon authoritative sources to substantiate their claim. At the heart of their theory is the observation that the Mongolians, who lived north of China and had perpetual conflicts with the Chinese, may have learned about horseshoes with nails from the Chinese.
• The theory is further supported by information provided by the Chinese ministry of agriculture and forestry. According to their sources, horseshoes with nails have a historical legacy of over 2000 years in China.

Speculations and Ambiguities

• Besides this central theory, the research opens up the possibility that it may have been the Mongolians, not the Chinese, who developed the first horseshoes. This speculation stems from the Mongolians’ extensive metallurgical knowledge. The Mongolians might have been the ones to teach the Chinese about this technology.
• Although the research seems to lean more towards the theory of Chinese origin, the possibility of Mongolian first invention introduces an element of ambiguity and thus calls for further investigation into the origin of the horseshoe.