The focus of this section of our web guide is on the game of horseshoes, a lawn game played with horseshoes and stakes set in a lawn or sandbox area.
Horseshoes has its origins in the ancient Greek game of discus throwing, which involved throwing a circular object towards a target, and the Roman game of quoits, where metal rings were thrown at a stake. Although these were--and are--different games, they are similar.
The modern game of horseshoes, or horseshoe-like games, gained popularity in the mid-19th century, particularly among Union soldiers during the American Civil War. After the war, returning soldiers introduced the game to their communities.
The game's simplicity, social nature, and accessibility at a time when most people owned horses or at least had access to discarded horseshoes made the game an ideal pastime for soldiers and civilians.
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA) was established in 1909 to standardize rules, equipment, and playing procedures, solidifying the role of the game in American culture and sport.
The equipment used in horseshoes is straightforward: horseshoes and stakes. In the early days of the game, actual horseshoes, which had been used on horses, were used, but today, they are typically manufactured specifically for the game and made of either metal or plastic. The horseshoes are designed with a curved shape and a pointed end, allowing them to spin and curve as they approach the stake. Two metal stakes are driven into the ground, about fifteen inches above the surface. Two stakes are placed forty feet apart, and the playing surface is marked with two parallel lines.
Horseshoes is played by two players, or two teams of two players each. Players take turns throwing horseshoes at the opposite stake, trying to encircle it or land as close to it as possible. Each player throws two horseshoes per turn, and the game continues until a predetermined number of points is reached.
The rules of the game are also straightforward. A horseshoe that completely encircles the stake is a ringer, scoring three points. If no ringers are thrown, the closest horseshoe to the stake scores one point. If both of a player's horseshoes are closer to the stake than their opponent's, they score two points. The game is typically played to twenty-one points. However, official tournaments may have different scoring limits.
There are two scoring methods in horseshoes: cancellation scoring and count-all scoring. In cancellation scoring, only one player can score points per inning, with the higher-scoring player's points canceling out their opponent's points. In count-all scoring, both players' points are counted each inning.
Although the NHPA sets the official rules for the game, other variations are played. One popular variation is backyard horseshoes, played on a smaller scale with stakes placed closer together, often using any scoring system that is agreed upon beforehand. Another variation is indoor horseshoes, played with rubber or foam horseshoes. Handicap league play is a system in which players of different skill levels compete against one another, with point adjustments to level the playing field.
Topics related to the game of horseshoes or any of its variations are appropriate for this category, although websites offering game sets or equipment for sale should be listed in the corresponding subcategory of our Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
Formed to promote the sport of horseshoe pitching in California, California Horseshoes organizes tournaments and events, including the Slough Slingers Tournament in Lemoore and the Avila's Annual Tournament in Beaumont, California, which often feature prize money, attracting top horseshoe pitchers from across the region. A profile of the organization, event schedules and highlights, an introduction to the California Horseshoe League, and partner organizations are set forth.
https://www.calpitchers.com/
Located in Clearwater, Florida, the Clearwater Horseshoe Club features eighteen covered, lighted, blue clay courts at Ed Wright Park, providing an ideal environment for both league play and NHPA-sanctioned tournaments. Established in 1916, it is one of the oldest active horseshoe clubs. Its history, membership policies and benefits, a club application form, bylaws, and leadership introductions are available, along with sponsors, tournament and event schedules, leagues, and photos.
https://clearwaterhorseshoeclub.org/
Established in 1955, the Deepriver Horseshoe League (DRHL) is Connecticut's oldest horseshoe league. Membership is open to both men and women, and the league consists of eighteen teams competing on nine pits. The league uses a handicap system to ensure fair competition, and the top eight teams compete in a tournament championship at the end of the season. Its leadership, bylaws, and contacts are provided, along with its game schedules, statistics, the previous year's results, and a photo album.
https://deepriverhorseshoes.com/
Associated with Horseshoe Canada, Horseshoe Ontario is the governing body for the sport of horseshoe pitching in Ontario, Canada. The organization sponsors various tournaments, maintains the official rules, and promotes the sport across the province, as well as supporting community involvement, and offering opportunities for high school students to complete their community service hours by volunteering at events. Membership information, the rules of play, and contests are highlighted.
http://horseshoeontario.com/
Minnesota Gopher State Horseshoe Pitchers' Association
The MGSHPA is a charter organization of the National Horseshoe Pitchers' Association (NHPA). Founded in 1967, the organization promotes the sport of horseshoe pitching in Minnesota, including hosting various tournaments, including the State Tournament. The organization has more than thirty sanctioned clubs across the state. Its locations, leadership team, and membership signups are presented, along with tournament schedules, highlights from past tournaments, photos, and a Hall of Fame.
https://www.minnesotahorseshoes.com/
National Horseshoe Pitchers Association
The NHPA is the governing body for the sport of horseshoe pitching in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1911, the organization promotes and organizes the sport, standardizes rules, equipment specifications, and playing procedures. It also hosts the annual World Horseshoe Tournament. Its leadership, leagues, events, contacts, and membership and league charter information are featured, along with the history of horseshoes, rules, how-to videos, and media coverage.
https://www.horseshoepitching.com/
SHL is a community-focused organization based in Speedway, Indiana. Founded in the mid-1960s, it promotes the sport of horseshoe pitching and works to create a place for competition, exercise, and good friendships. The SHL also organizes various leagues and events throughout the year, including spring and fall leagues and special tournaments. Event schedules, membership details, contacts, a photo gallery, and information about participating in the sport are posted.
https://speedwayhorseshoeleagues.com/
