Horseshoe magnet

A horseshoe magnet is a magnet made in the shape of a horseshoe or a U shape and has become the most widely recognized symbol for magnets. It was invented by William Sturgeon in 1825. This type of magnet can be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The main advantage of a horseshoe magnet over other types of magnets is that the magnetic poles are close together creating a much stronger magnetic field.
History.
In 1819, it was discovered that passing electric current through a piece of metal deflected a compass needle. Following this discovery, many other experiments surrounding magnetism were attempted. These experiments culminated in William Sturgeon wrapping wire around a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron and running electric current through the wires creating the first horseshoe magnet.
This was also the first practical electromagnet and the first magnet that could lift more mass than the magnet itself when the seven-ounce magnet was able to lift nine pounds of iron. Sturgeon showed that he could regulate the magnetic field of his horseshoe magnet by increasing or decreasing the amount of current being run through the wires. This would lay the groundwork for development of the electrical telegraph and the future of world-wide telecommunications for the next century and more.
Shape.
The shape of the magnet was originally created as a replacement for the bar magnet as it makes the magnet stronger. Over time it became the universal symbol for all magnets. A horseshoe magnet is stronger because both poles of the magnet are closer to each other and in the same plane which allows the magnetic lines of flux to flow along a more direct path between the poles and concentrates the magnetic field.
The shape of the horseshoe magnet also drastically reduces its demagnetization over time. This is due to coercivity also known as the "staying magnetized" ability of a given magnet. Coercivity is weaker in disc or ring shapes, slightly stronger in cylinder or bar shapes, and strongest in horseshoe shapes. To increase the coercivity of horseshoe magnets, steel keepers or magnet keepers are used. A magnetic field holds its strength best when the entire magnetic field is given the ability to loop through a ferromagnetic substance instead of air. The nearness of the horseshoe magnet’s poles facilitates the ability to use these magnet keepers way more easily than other types of magnets.