This is a mid-16th century keyhole horseshoe. The keyhole horseshoe featured a distinct keyhole shape, with a widened area at the heel, providing extra durability and support for the horse.

These early 16th-century keyhole horseshoes had four nail holes on each side. By the 1700s, they featured up to 10 nail holes, and by the end of the 18th century, keyhole horseshoes had 20 nail holes in total.

These horseshoes were used across Europe, accompanying traders, farmers, and soldiers on their journeys and their design reflects a time when the horse was an indispensable part of daily life.