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Horseshoe Pit Rules

A traditional horseshoes match requires two teams composed of two players each. One player from each team stands at either end of the horseshoes playing area. The goal of the game is to score points by getting ringers (when the horseshoe completely wraps around the stake), leaners (when the horseshoe is touching or leaning against the stake) or getting within a horseshoe's length of the stole. There are many rules that regulate the sizes and various dimensions of the playing area.

Playing Area
- The playing area of a game of horseshoes includes the pitcher's box, the pitching platform, the pit, the stake and the dead space in the middle. It extends in length from the back of each pitching area, and in width from the sides of the pitchers box. The overall length of the playing area must 48 feet, and its width is 6 feet.
The Pitcher's Box
- The pitchers box is composed of the platform and the pit. It must measure 6 by 6 feet. Players are allowed to install a backstop or backboard 12 inches past the pitcher's box to help protect against errant horseshoes.
The Pitching Platform
- The pitching platform is where a player throws, or pitches, a horseshoe from. Horseshoe regulations require that the pitching platform be 18 to 20 1/2 inches wide (depending on how wide the pit is) and at least 6 feet in length. The two platforms must be level with each other, and they must be level with the top of the pits.
The Pit
- The horseshoe pit is required to be no larger than 36 by 72 inches, and no smaller than 31 by 43 inches. It must be placed in the center of the pitcher's box. If a pit is made smaller than the maximum dimensions allowed, players must fill in the extra space with a material other than what the pit is composed of. The extra space must be made level with the rest of the pit and the platform.
Pit Material
- Horseshoe regulations require that dirt, sand, clay or a specially designed synthetic material be used to fill the pit. The material must be at least 4 inches in depth, and a depth of 8 inches is recommended.
The Stake
- The stake should be placed in the center of the pit, and there should be at least 21 inches between the stake and the back and front of the pit. The stake should stand at a height of 14 or 15 inches, and needs to lean slightly forward (a 3-inch lean is standard). It must have a diameter of 1 inch, and can be made of mild iron, cold-rolled steel, soft metal or a synthetic substance. Regulations require that the stakes at either end of the playing area be 40 feet apart.

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