This is most likely evidence of a widespread folk practice in which a
horseshoe or other iron object, such as an edge tool, is secured to a
building or integrated into the structure itself to bring good luck and/or
protection to the house. Check out my recent article in the fall issue of
Historical Archaeology. I specifically discuss horseshoes on pages 72-73. 

Manning, M. Chris. 2014. The Material Culture of Ritual Concealments in the
United States. Historical Archaeology 48(3):52-83. 

I would be very interested in learning more about the details of this find
and seeing some photos. Please message me off list.

Chris

M. Chris Manning, M.A., M.S.H.P.
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-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Ben
Resnick
Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 1:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Horseshoes - Foundations

We encountered several horseshoes buried partially beneath the corner of a
dressed stone foundation at a 19th century domestic site located along the
southern Virginia coastal plain.  Additional horseshoes were also recovered
along the foundation wall of an early 20th century addition.  I would be
interested to hear of any similar observations for these site types
including information regarding the possible background of site occupants
(ethnicity, etc.).

Thanks,

Ben
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Ben Resnick, MA, RPA, MBA
GAI Consultants, Inc.
385 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120-5005
412.476.2000 ext. 1200 | C 412.759.3156