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Instructions for Pitching Horseshoes

In a game of horseshoes, the contestants must throw their shoes down a 40-foot pitch. The game is won through a demonstration of accuracy and consistency over several rounds (a minimum of four rounds is required if there is a perfect game). To gain accuracy, the horseshoe must be pitched in a well-defined and controlled manner.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Most missed ringers are caused by a poor stance.
  
  Stand in the proper position. While standing in the throwers box the body must be positioned well. Choose the correct side to throw from based on the throwing hand. Right-handed throwers fare better on the left side of the stake. Don't allow any tension in the body while getting a throwing posture. Stand squarely facing the stake.
- 2
  
  A good, proper grip is important.
  
  Grip the horseshoe. The thumb should lie flat over one of the sides of the horseshoe (not the back), the pointer and middle fingers curl under the other side of the horseshoe, wrapping around, and the ring finger and pinkie balance the horseshoe.
  
  If the balance is provided near the curve of the horseshoe, expect to rotate the shoe 1¾ turns in the air. If the balance is maintained near the shoe's opening, expect to rotate the shoe 1¼ turns in the air.
- 3
  
  A good form means getting the horseshoe to land in a chosen spot.
  
  Site the stake by holding the horseshoe at eye level with the throwing arm held straight out. Look at the stake so that the horseshoe is lined up for a ringer.
  
  Allow the arm to drop straight down and swing back like a pendulum. As the horseshoe is approaching the back side of the swing, step forward with the foot opposite the throwing hand -- the left foot for right-handed throwers -- and generate momentum by shifting the body weight forward. At the same time, the throwing arm should drop back down.
  
  When the horseshoe is raised to eye level again, release the shoe and allow the arm to follow through. If the motion was traced, it would seem similar to a golf club swing, except with only one hand and a square stance.
- 4
  Measure the trajectory. The horseshoe needs to float across the 40-foot pitch, based on a release around eye level. The horseshoe should only rise another 3 or 4 feet from the release,then drop down into the pit, theoretically around the stake.
  
  Watch the trajectory to make sure the shoe is not being thrown too high or too low, as these result in overshooting or undershooting the pit.
  
  When the trajectory is correct and the shoe falls outside the pit, check to see if the stance was squarely lined up with the stake and the release was natural. A forced release means effort was applied and the horseshoe was forced down the pitch, usually resulting in a long throw.

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