Equipment and accessories used in the game of horseshoes are the focus of this category.
Websites representing manufacturers and retailers who specialize in horseshoes, horseshoe stakes, and any accessories or supplies used in the sport are appropriate for this part of our web guide.
In the early days of the game, most of those who played the game already had the necessary equipment. In the early 1900s, when the game became popular, most rural people owned horses; these horses were fitted with metal shoes, which needed to be replaced occasionally. The game was played with real horseshoes, and the stakes were often wooden or metal but rarely explicitly made for the game. There were also several different sets of rules.
As the game became more popular and tournaments grew more prominent, the rules merged, and the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA) adopted rules for the game on January 1, 1925. These rules have been revised and updated over the years, although alternate methods of play may be used recreationally.
The NHPA also defines specific dimensions and weights for horseshoes, stakes, and distances. Horseshoes are to have a maximum weight of 2 pounds, 10 ounces, a maximum width of 7 1/4 inches, and a maximum length of 7 5/8 inches. The opening of the horseshoe must not exceed 3 1/2 inches when measured from a parallel line 3/4 inch inward from a straight edge touching the tips of the shoe points. Stakes can be made of wood or metal and are typically placed so that they extend from 2-6 inches above the ground.
The primary components in the sport of horseshoes include horseshoes, pitching blocks, stakes, and measuring devices.
The horseshoes themselves are the chief equipment used in the game. They come in various designs, including traditional, flip-style, and universal horseshoes. Thoroughbred Horseshoes, manufactured by Horseshoes Online, are popular among game enthusiasts. Designed for durability and performance, they have features like precision-crafted cleats and a design that promotes consistent flight patterns.
The stakes are the targets for players to land their horseshoes around. Typically made of metal, they may also be made of wood or plastic. Blacksmith, Farrier, Equine Supplies & Accessories, an Australian retailer, carries a selection of stakes suitable for the game.
Pitching blocks, sometimes known as tees, are portable or permanent fixtures made of wood or plastic, and are used to ensure a consistent playing surface.
Horseshoe bags are used to carry and store horseshoes and other equipment used in the sport.
Complete horseshoe sets often include horseshoes, stakes, and sometimes pitching platforms. Horseshoes Online and St. Pierre Chain & Wire Rope offer complete horseshoe sets, as do others. Manufacturers of horseshoe pitching products include St. Pierre, Omega Horseshoe Company, and M&M Horseshoe Company.
Recommended Resources
Headquartered in Fenton, Missouri, Deadeye Horseshoes is a reputable brand known for producing quality horseshoes for players of all skill levels. Its pitching horseshoes are NHPA-sanctioned and made in the United States. Its horseshoes include E-Z Grip Drop-Forged, Clydesdale Drop-Forged, Clydesdale, Stay-On, Regular, and NT, each of which is pictured and described. An overview of the company is provided, and products may be purchased online. Contacts are posted.
https://www.deadeyeshoes.com/
Dennis' Horseshoes is a retailer specializing in horseshoe pitching equipment and accessories. Founded by Dennis Ray Ohms in 1945, the company is now in the. hands of his daughter, Amy Ohms Archibald, Utah's first Junior Girls State Champion and a member of the nation's first Junior League in the 1980s. Based in Clearfield, Utah, the company offers a variety of products, including traditional horseshoes, stakes, and rulebooks. Contacts and online shopping are included.
https://www.dennishorseshoes.com/
Horseshoes and Hoops is a UK retailer specializing in bringing American games to the United Kingdom. Included are a set of four full-size horseshoes and a ring toss set, both of which are highlighted and made available for purchase through the website. Other resources include instructions and a couple of videos on horseshoe pitching, including scoring. Customer testimonials are posted on the site, and an online contact form is available. Orders may be placed and tracked online.
https://horseshoepitching.co.uk/
The family-operated business is focused on producing high-quality horseshoes and related products. They offer a variety of models, including the Gordon Horseshoes, Cadet Horseshoes, Legend Horseshoes, and Competition Horseshoes, along with horseshoe pitching stakes and accessories. Headquartered in Utah, a goal of the company is to preserve and continue the Gordon Horseshoes line of products. A profile of the company, its drop forge production process, and online shopping are provided.
https://www.omegahorseshoes.com/
Representing the M&M Horseshoe Company, a leading manufacturer of high-quality pitching horseshoes, which has been designing and producing horseshoes for more than thirty years. Its models include the M&M Special, A-Mac, and Arrow horseshoes. The company also offers a horseshoe stake retainer plate kit, horseshoe stakes, and accessories. The website also offers several horseshoe pitching tips, instructions for building a horseshoe pit, and tournament videos.
https://pitchinghorseshoes.com/
