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Rules for Making Horseshoe Pits

Horseshoes is a game in which players pitch horseshoes at iron stakes. The game requires two or more players divided into two teams. The player pitching his horseshoe closest to the stake -- within 6 inches -- is awarded one point for the round. If the horseshoe rings the stake, it's worth three points. Because of the precise measurement involved in scoring, horseshoe pits must meet certain requirements.
  1. Stakes and Distance

    • Horseshoe pit stakes should be made of iron. A regulation horseshoe pit requires two iron rods measuring 36 inches long and 1 inch wide. The stakes must be 40 feet apart, stake-to-stake rather than pit-to-pit. Twenty-two inches of the stake should go into the ground, 14 inches above ground.

    Angle and Stability of Stakes

    • Horseshoe stakes must go into the ground at an angle, roughly 12 degrees toward the opposing stake. It's OK to weld steel plates onto the lower halves of the stakes to keep them stable once the soil is loose around them and horseshoes are hitting them. Another way to keep stakes at the proper angle is to anchor them inside 6- to 12-inch planks of wood. Drill one hole in two planks of wood at a 12-degree angle from vertical. Place the stakes into the holes and rebury them.

    Pit Areas

    • The pit areas around the stakes should be 43 to 72 inches long and 31 to 36 inches wide. The stakes should be placed in the center of the pits. Line the edges of the pit with 2-by-6 boards nailed together at the corners. Bury these between 2 and 4 inches into the ground, depending on the depth of the pit soil. On either side of the pit, build pitcher's platforms using wood or concrete. Be sure the platform is level and over the foul lines. Dig up the soil in the pit between 2 and 4 inches deep. Replace the soil with wet sand or blue clay.

    Foul Lines

    • Pain two foul lines on each pitcher's platform. The first should measure 27 feet from the opposing stake. This line is for people, children included, whose pitching ability requires a closer foul line. The second foul line should measure 37 feet from the opposing stake. This line is for practiced players and adults whose pitches are strong enough to reach the other stake.


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