How to Play Horseshoes

Players

• 2 players or 2x teams of 2
• Ages three and up

Materials

• Horseshoes: Typically made of metal, you’ll need two horseshoes for each player or team.
• Stakes: Two metal stakes driven into the ground, one at each end of the playing area. The stakes are the targets where players aim to throw the horseshoes.
• Playing Area: A flat and open area where the stakes are positioned. The distance between the stakes is typically around 40 feet (12 meters) for regulation play.
• Markers or Paint: To mark the foul line and the pitching platforms. Foul lines are typically 27-37 feet (8-11 meters) from the stakes, and the platforms are the areas from where players pitch the horseshoes.
• Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate measurements when setting up the playing area.
• Scoreboard: Optionally, a scoreboard can be used to keep track of scores for competitive play.

Scoring

• Ringer: A horseshoe encircling the stake, not touching it, scores 3 points
• Closest to the Stake: If no ringers, the closest horseshoe within 6 inches scores 1 point
• Cancellation Scoring: Only one player or team scores per round; tied throws cancel each other out
• Winning: Game typically played to 21 or 40 points; first to reach or exceed wins
• Leaners: Horseshoes leaning against the stake may score fewer points (1 or 2)
• Fouls: Crossing the foul line during a throw results in a foul, and points may be lost

Additional Setup Notes

• Place the stakes 40 feet from the throwing line.

Horseshoes is a skill-based lawn game perfect for outings with family and friends, or even co-workers!

The game is usually played between two individuals or two teams, each looking to score points by tossing horseshoes toward a stake in the grass or ground.

A game of Horseshoes consists of two stakes positioned at opposite ends, with a distance of around 40 feet between the stakes.

Players or teams will alternate tossing two horseshoes from a designated pitching platform toward the opposite stake. The objective is to get a “ringer,” the highest-scoring throw, where the horseshoe completely encircles the stake without touching it. A ringer scores the maximum points, typically set at 3.

When ringers are not achieved, players get points by how close they land the horseshoe on the stake. The one closest to the stake, within 6 inches, earns points. In the absence of ringers, this throw typically scores 1 point.

Cancellation scoring is also a part of this lawn game. If both players or teams throw ringers or land equally close to the stake, their scores cancel each other out for that round, and nobody walks away with points.

The game continues in rounds until a predetermined point total, often 21 or 40. The first player or team to reach or exceed this point total wins the game. Leaners, horseshoes leaning against the stake, may score fewer points, and fouls, such as stepping over the foul line during a throw, can result in point deductions.

Horseshoe is accessible to players of all ages and only requires good aim and eye, as well as strategic finesse to get over the points threshold. It’s a perfect game for picnics and outings of all kinds.