Horseshoes

1 Game Overview

Horseshoes is an ancient throwing game played at barbecues, campgrounds, and backyards across America. Players take turns tossing horseshoes at a metal stake driven into the ground 40 feet away. A ringer (horseshoe landing around the stake) scores 3 points. The cancellation scoring system means only one team scores per round.

2 What You Need

• 4 horseshoes (2 per player/team)
• 2 metal stakes driven into the ground 40 feet apart
• Pit material (sand or clay around stakes)

3 Setup

1. Drive stakes 40 feet apart (official), angled slightly toward each other (about 3 degrees).
2. Stakes should extend 14-15 inches above the ground.
3. Create a pit of sand or clay around each stake (optional but recommended).
4. Players stand at one stake and throw toward the other. Partners stand at opposite stakes.
5. Flip a coin to determine who throws first.

4 How to Play

Each player throws both their horseshoes per round (alternating with opponent throw by throw, or both throwing then walking).

Scoring (Cancellation)

• Ringer: Horseshoe encircles the stake = 3 points. To be a ringer, a straight edge across the open end of the shoe must clear the stake.
• Leaner: Horseshoe leaning against the stake = 2 points (house rules - not official).
• Closest horseshoe: If no ringers, the closest horseshoe to the stake scores 1 point. Must be within 6 inches of the stake.
• Cancellation: Ringers cancel each other out. If both players have a ringer, they cancel and other shoes score. Only one player/team can score per round.

5 Winning

First player or team to reach 21 points wins (some play to 40, or 15 for a shorter game). Official games play 40 points.

6 Tips

• Consistent release. Grip the horseshoe at the same point every time and release at the same angle. Consistency beats power.
• 1.25 turn rotation. Most players release the shoe so it rotates 1.25 times in the air, arriving open-end-forward at the stake. Experiment to find your natural rotation.
• Aim past the stake. The shoe should arc downward onto the stake. Aim for a few feet past it - gravity will bring it down.
• When opponent has a ringer, go for the ringer too. Don't just try to get close; match their ringer to cancel it out.