Not unlike Bocce ball playing, tossing horseshoes was at one point outlawed by ancient rulers concerned it took the soldiers minds off more important things – military training mostly.  It was passed from European soldiers to American soldiers who allowed it to be introduced in backyards everywhere by virtue of returning home from battle.  Horseshoes can now be considered a surprising spoil of war in a sense.  Over time rules were laid out and play continued through the ages such that the enjoyment horseshoes provides today completely overshadows its ominous origin.

Most backyard players of horseshoes aren’t concerned with the officially declared distance between the stakes (40 ft), nor are they likely to dig two pits to a depth of 4 to 8 inches, in a 72” x 36” rectangular shape surrounding the stakes.  Accordingly, they’re not likely to fill this area with sand or sawdust, nor are they likely to ensure the stakes extend 14-15 inches above the pit’s surface.   Most players don’t realize they’re allowed to lean the stakes towards each other as much as 3 inches delta from where they contact the pit surface.

Game play for horseshoes is simple.  If teams are playing rather than two individuals, each player gets two horseshoes to throw per turn.   Horseshoes which land within 6 inches of the stake are awarded one point – as well as those that lean on or touch the stake.  Those that ‘ring’ the stake are awarded three points.  Each side (player or team member) gets to throw two horseshoes which completes the inning.  Many backyard players award leaners and those that in some way touch the stake with two points.  First team/individual to 40 points wins the game.

As with any throwing game – be extremely careful particularly with little ones present.  Large, heavy objects thrown any distance at all present a genuine threat – so be especially careful to set up your horseshoes area away from walkways or away from the path of innocent passersby.    It does take skill and practice to become a good player.   The more you play the better a player you’ll be.  Good luck & enjoy!