How To Pitch Horseshoes & Rules

Pitching horseshoes is fun for the whole family.

To play the game of horseshoes, two players or teams take turns pitching two horseshoes at a stake that is 40 feet away. If the horseshoe lands so that it completely surrounds the stake, it is called a "ringer," and the player earns three points. Ringers cancel each other out, so no points are awarded to either side if both players pitch a ringer. If no ringers are pitched, the player whose horseshoe is closest to the stake earns one point. The sides continue to alternate pitching until one side reaches a total score of 21.

Things You'll Need

• Horseshoe pit
• Horseshoes
• Stakes

Instructions

1. Stand with your weight balanced evenly between your feet and your knees slightly bent. Grab the center of the horseshoe with your dominant hand. Aim the pointed ends of the horseshoe down so that they form a 45-degree angle with the ground.

2. Swing your pitching arm up to eye level, keeping the elbow straight. Line up the horseshoe with your target. Lower and relax your arm.

3. Lean forward slightly and bend your knees while swinging your pitching arm backward. Take a step with the opposite leg as you swing your pitching arm forward. Shift your weight to your front leg and release the horseshoe at eye level. Let your pitching arm continue straight above your head without bending at the wrist.

Tips & Warnings

• The game of horseshoes can be handicapped by allowing one player to move closer to the stakes when pitching. This can be especially useful if you are playing a family game with children of different ages.

References

• Alpha Horse: Rules of Horseshoes