Hag Riders
A story of the hag riders, a folk tale from Ringmer in Sussex, about horses being taken at night by witches and their protective amulets, horse shoes and hag stones.
Many people believed in the hag riders, especially if the horses were tired and exhausted in the mornings.
This story is about two witches who disguised themselves as strands of wheat when they are discovered riding the horses.
In old country lore, hag stones were tied around horse’s necks, alongside iron horseshoes nailed to the stable door, to ward off bad luck and witches.
It is also possible that local smugglers had borrowed the horses to take stolen goods up to London.
A painted and sewn fabric banner on calico.
