Horseshoes

The average horseshoe is found on the equine hoof but in antiquity it was discovered that spare or unused horseshoes could have other uses as well. Soon, horse shoes were found as an alternative to the discus and other games that involved the skill of throwing an object as far as possible. Today, the game of horse shoe specifies that two players – or an even number of players divided into two teams – will be able to participate in the game play. Horseshoe rules are simple: each player receives four horseshoes which are then to be tossed at two stakes in the ground at about a 40 foot distance. From this simple game it was only a matter of time until a governing body of horseshoes aficionados felt it was high time to create rules for horseshoes, and the result is a sport that is at times bogged down with rules and regulations.

It is interesting to note that there are specific guidelines that govern the creation and maintenance of a horseshoe pit, and while it is at first glance hard to imagine what horseshoe pit construction could possibly have to do with winning at the game, the very fact that uniformity in horseshoe pits is desired has given way to those who claim to have the best tips and tricks for creating a favorable playing field. Take for example those who take to building horseshoe pits with special soil that when wetted down is claylike in its texture. When horseshoe pitching, these hard core aficionados assert that those who build horseshoe pits following these horseshoes rules will end up with completely even play areas that offer no advantage or disadvantage to any player, making it fair all the way around.

Other horse shoe rules are adamant about the ages and genders of the contestants. Foul lines depend on age and also on gender, and while it may be hard to fathom that a course as short as a horse shoe pit would require a gender adapted game play, those who play horseshoes on the national level or tourney style are well familiar with the intricacies of the various divisions and do their best to work within these limitations. Indeed, horseshoes has come a long way from just being played for entertainment purposes on the farm after a hard day’s work or at the completion of the harvest season. While many of those with backyard pits simply ignore most of the rules, those who wish to go on to compete will do well to remember the limitations and the regulations before getting too comfortable with some of the alternative game play.