Horseshoe: How to Use User GUIDE
- June 4, 2024
- horseshoe
Table of Contents
Horseshoe: How to Use
INSTALLATIONS
NATURE AND PURPOSE
Horseshoe pitching has been popular for a long time both as a recreational and
competitive sport.
The formation of the NATIONAL HORSESHOE PITCHERS ASSOCIATION in 1921 has given
rise to chapters in nearly every state as well as Canada. The N H PA sanctions
local and regional meets for men, women, boys, and girls. A world tournament
is held each year for Men and Women while a Junior Boys and Junior Girls World
Champion is also decided.
The game is played by pitching horseshoes toward a metal stake some 40 feet for Men’s competition and 30 feet for Women and Juniors. Points are scored for shoes landing closest to the stake, providing the shoe is not farther than 6 inches from the stake. A ringer (shoe which encircles stake) counts 3 points. The winner is the player who first scores 21 points (informal play) or 25 innings (official tournament competition.) Players shall alternate the first pitch, with the player having first pitch in the even innings, and the other in the odd number innings. In singles play the players move from stake to stake after each throw, but in doubles one partner is stationed at each stake and makes all throws from there.
PLAYING AREA AND EQUIPMENT
THE COURT: The official horseshoe court (see figure) is 50 x10 feet with one-
inch metal
stakes placed 40 feet apart or 30 feet apart. The stakes are centered in a 6 x
6 foot pitcher’s box. HORSESHOES: An official shoe should not exceed 7 1/4
inches in width and 7 5/8 inches in
length, and should weight no more than 2 pounds 10 ounces. The opening can be
no more than 3 1/2 inches from point to point.
SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
Players must stand behind the foul line on the pitching platform when pitching. Most players assume a starting stance with the pitching arm closes to the stake and in a position which permits a forward step in the act of delivery of the shoe. The number of turns which the shoe takes in flight usually determines the style of grip to be used. Regardless of the grip used, there are several factors common to all pitches:
- The shoe should be held parallel to the ground with calks down;
- The rotation of the shoe should be clockwise;
- The open end of the shoe should face the stake when landing;
- Weight evenly distributed on both feet in the beginning stance, step off on opposite foot, knees bent, eyes on target, shoulders square to target.
The one and one-quarter turn delivery.
BASIC RULES
The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association establishes the official rules of horseshoe pitching.
- A game is divided into innings, and each contestant pitches two shoes in each inning. A game consists of 25 innings (50 shoes pitched by each person.)
- The choice of the first pitch to start the game is decided by the toss of a shoe or coin.
- A shoe that has left the pitchers hand is ruled a pitched shoe.
- A pitcher’s opponent must stand behind the person in action and may not interfere with the pitch in any way.
- A contestant may not walk t6the opposite stake or be informed of the position of the shoes until the inning is completed.
- Shoes thrown when a foul has been committed are considered shoes pitched: however, they may not receive any point value. Fouls may be assessed for the following:
- Illegal delivery of shoe.
- Failure of opponent to stay behind the pitcher, or his/ her interfering in any way with the opponent while he is in the act of pitching.
- Touching thrown shoes before a measurement has been made.
- Thrown shoes which strike part of the pitcher’s box or land outside the foul lines and then rebound into the box.
- Stepping on or over the foul line.
- Ties are broken by pitching an extra inning(s).
SCORING
- The shoe nearest to the stake scores one point providing it is within six inches of the stake.
- Two shoes closer than opponents shoe score two points.
- One ringer scores three points and two ringers, six points.
- A player having two ringers to one by his/her opponent scores three points.
- All shoes equally distant from the stake count as ties and no points are scored.
- A leaning shoe has the same value as that of a shoe lying on the ground and in contact with the stake.
COURTESIES AND SAFETY
- Stand well away from the pitching court when not involved.
- Be aware of people around you when swinging the horseshoe. Pitch only in designated area.
- Do not disturb a person who is in the process of pitching.
- Observe all rules
- Keep emotions under control
- Be aware of the game and position in the game so you are ready to pitch when your turn comes
TERMINOLOGY
- CALKS: raised areas on the heels and toe of one side of the pitching shoe that tend to make the shoe less likely to skid when striking the surface of the pit area.
- DOUBLE RINGER: two successive shoes that encircle the stake.
- FLIPPED UP SHOE: flipping shoe to determine who goes first, “rough” or-smooth”
- HEEL: the ends of the prongs on each side of the open end of the shoe.
- INNING: the pitching of two shoes by each player.
- LEANER: shoe which leans against the stake.
- PITCHER’S BOX: the area which includes the pitching platform and the pit.
- RINGER: a shoe that encircles the stake.
FAQS
What is the purpose of horseshoe pitching?
Horseshoe pitching is a popular recreational and competitive sport. Q: What is the distance between the metal stakes in horseshoe pitching? A: The distance between the metal stakes is 40 feet for men’s competition and 30 feet for women and juniors.
How are points scored in horseshoe pitching?
Points are scored for shoes landing closest to the stake, providing the shoe is not farther than 6 inches from the stake. A ringer (shoe which encircles stake) counts 3 points.
What is the weight limit for an official horseshoe?
An official shoe should not exceed 7 1/4 inches in width and 7 5/8 inches in length, and should weight no more than 2 pounds 10 ounces.
What are the basic rules of horseshoe pitching?
A game is divided into innings, and each contestant pitches two shoes in each inning. A game consists of 25 innings (50 shoes pitched by each person). The choice of the first pitch to start the game is decided by the toss of a shoe or coin. A shoe that has left the pitcher’s hand is ruled a pitched shoe. A pitcher’s opponent must stand behind the person in action and may not interfere with the pitch in any way.
How are ties broken in horseshoe pitching?
Ties are broken by pitching an extra inning(s).
What is a ringer in horseshoe pitching?
A ringer is a shoe that encircles the stake.
What is a leaner in horseshoe pitching?
A leaner is a shoe which leans against the stake
What is the purpose of calks in horseshoes?
Calks are raised areas on the heels and toe of one side of the pitching shoe that tend to make the shoe less likely to skid when striking the surface of the pit area.
What is the pitching platform in horseshoe pitching?
The pitching platform is the area where players stand behind the foul line to pitch their horseshoes.
How do I properly hold a horseshoe?
To hold a horseshoe, place your thumb on top of the shoe’s open end, and wrap your fingers around the outside of the shoe. Your hand should be positioned in a way that allows you to grip the shoe securely but comfortably.
What is the correct distance between the stakes for horseshoe pitching?
The regulation distance between the stakes in horseshoe pitching is 40 feet (12.19 meters) for official play. However, for casual play or recreational purposes, you can adjust the distance according to your preference and available space.
How do I throw a horseshoe?
When throwing a horseshoe, stand behind the stake with your dominant hand holding the shoe. Extend your arm forward and swing it in a pendulum motion, releasing the horseshoe as it swings forward. The goal is to aim for the stake and have the horseshoe land as close to it as possible.
What is the proper scoring in horseshoe pitching?
In horseshoe pitching, the scoring is based on the proximity of the horseshoes to the stake. The horseshoe that lands closest to the stake scores one point. If both of your horseshoes are closer to the stake than your opponent’s, you score two points. Ringers (horseshoes that encircle the stake) typically score three points each.
Can horseshoes be played indoors?
Horseshoes is traditionally an outdoor game played on a grass or sand surface. However, there are indoor versions available that use modified equipment, such as rubber horseshoes or lightweight horseshoe sets designed for indoor play. These variations allow horseshoes to be played in indoor spaces with appropriate safety precautions.
Are there different types of horseshoes?
Yes, there are different types of horseshoes used in various variations of the game. Traditional horseshoes used for pitching are typically made of iron or steel. However, there are also rubber horseshoes and plastic horseshoes available for recreational play, especially in indoor or family-friendly settings.
Is there a specific technique or strategy for horseshoe pitching?
Horseshoe pitching involves a combination of technique and practice. Some common strategies include aiming for consistent throws, adjusting the power and angle of your throw based on the distance to the stake, and focusing on accuracy rather than trying to force a ringer every time. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
Are there horseshoe leagues or tournaments?
Yes, horseshoe pitching is a popular sport with organized leagues and tournaments at local, national, and international levels. If you’re interested in competitive play, you can explore joining a local league or participating in tournaments to test your skills against other players.
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>