Hens
A hen which crows is considered to be unlucky, as is a hen with tail-feathers like those of a rooster. Hens which roost in the morning are said to be foretelling a death. A hen which enters the house is an omen that a visitor will arrive, and this is also the case if a rooster crows near the door or comes inside.
Horses
A white horse could warn of danger, and lived longer than a dark horse.
Spotted horses are considered magical.
Grey horses and horses with four white socks are considered to be unlucky.
In some places it is lucky to meet a white horse in others it might be the opposite either way, tradition states that upon meeting a white horse one should spit and make a wish, or cross one's fingers until a dog is seen.
In many places it is lucky to lead a horse through the house as it was believed this may stem from the association of horses with fertility and crops, which has lasted in form of hobby-horses which were originally part of Beltane (May Day) revels.
Horseshoes
A circular ring made from an iron horseshoe nail gives the same protection against evil as the horseshoe itself. The horseshoe or crescent moon shape was seen as a sign of good fortune and fertility. The horseshoe must be hung with the points up to keep the luck from spilling out.
A horseshoe, hung above the doorway, will bring good luck to a home. In most of Europe protective horseshoes are placed in a downward facing position, but in some parts of Ireland and Britain people believe that the shoes must be turned upward or "the luck will run out."
A horseshoe hung in the bedroom will keep nightmares away.
Pet & Animal Superstitions Page 6
