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Horseshoe pitching is a target game similar to bowls or quoits. Developed as have many games and pastimes, from using what was lying around at the time, in this case old horseshoes.
Popularity
Horseshoe pitching is only played as a casual social game in the UK, where as in the USA it is treated as a sport, with official rules, clubs and leagues.
Location
In the UK horseshoe pitching is practised out of doors on any appropriately sized piece of ground. In the USA it is played both indoors and outside on permanently porpoise build courts, with 3ft wide by 6ft deep pitching boxes.
Age
Horseshoe pitching is played by both men and women of all ages and physical ability. Horseshoes are pointed metal objects which are potentially dangerous if thrown carelessly, Young children therefore should be supervised.
Ability
Distances thrown in official horseshoe pitching contests are, Open men and seniors, full 37ft foot foul line. Elders, Females, physically impaired males and juniors, 27ft foot foul line. Under nine years old, 20ft foot foul line.
Description
Two stakes are knocked into the ground some 30 to 40feet apart. the object being to throw the horseshoe from a line equal with the stake at one end to encircle the stake at the other end. each player has two shoes which are thrown alternately with the opponent, In team events it is a very tactical game placing blocking shots to prevent the opponents getting close to the stake, Not unlike bowls. After all players have thrown their two shoes they throw back from the other end.
Dedication
In the UK where the game is only played socially it is normal to play with old discarded horseshoes, in America where the game is played to official rules specially manufactured shoes are used, these must not weigh more than 2lbs 10ounces and must not exceed 7 1/4 ins, in width. 7 5/8 ins, in length. And the opening of the shoe shall not exceed 3 1/2 ins.
Closely
Related Activities
Closely related activities to horseshoe pitching include Quoits 482, Flat Green bowls 85, Crown Green Bowls 84, Boules 83 and Hoop-La 326.
Cost
When playing horseshoe pitching as a social game using only discarded horse shoes there are no costs at all. If playing as an official competition game, purpose made shoes cost from around £10 each, £20 for each player. and there are club and court fees to pay.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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