Instructions / Assembly

Horseshoes

History of Game

The game of horseshoes, as we know it today, began with American soldiers of

the Revolutionary War and the Civil War passing time with iron tent stakes and

used mule shoes. The first World Horseshoe Tournament was held in the summer

of 1910 in Bronson, Kansas. Today the sport is played in backyards and

professional courts throughout the United States and Canada.

Object of Game

The main object of horseshoes is to ring a stake with the horseshoe or throw it as

close to the stake as possible, gaining points or canceling out the opponent’s

points on an inning. The game is broken into innings. Each inning consists of four

pitched horseshoes, two by each opponent. Play continues until one player or

team reaches a predetermined score of 15, 21 or 40 points.

1. Get Ready!

 Before you begin, recruit one person (i.e., singles) or three people (i.e.,

teams) to play with you.

 Find a flat, level playing area at least 6 feet wide and 50 feet long.

 Stretch to warm up your muscles.

2. Get Set!

 Mark off two spots for the stakes 40 feet apart. Drive the stakes into the

ground with a hammer until they extend 14 to 15 inches above the

surface. Lean the stakes slightly toward each other no more than three

inches. See Figure H.

 Anyone not actively throwing horseshoes remains on the opposite side

of the stake at least 3 feet away.