Horseshoe Party Games

Horseshoes is an outdoor game played between two people (or two teams of two people) using four horseshoes and two throwing targets (stakes) set in a sandbox area. The game is played by the players alternating turns tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground, which are traditionally placed 40 feet apart. Modern games use a more stylized U-shaped bar, about twice the size of an actual horseshoe.

Info Courtesy Wikipedia

Real Horseshoes are not typically used anymore in this game as they once were many years ago. But if you have some laying around grab 4 of them and stick some sticks in the ground and have a fun game of Horseshoes - that is how it all started.

Many people play the game of Horseshoes differently and the same goes for the scoring. Horseshoes is played not only in backyards but also in many Tournaments and Leagues. For the official rules of play and regulations you can visit: National Horseshoe Pitching Association

Being this page is all about playing The Game of Horseshoes at a Party I will tell you the less formal Backyard way that I know and have played.

~The Object of the Game is to throw your Horseshoes closer to the stake than your opponent.

~Set up your stakes by placing them into the ground about 40 feet apart from each other (opposite ends of the yard) - less of course if the kids are playing (honestly I need them closer together as well). When you place the stakes in the ground lean then in about 3 inches towards each other.

~Set the Point Limit - How many points must be scored to win the game.

~You can play with just 2 people or Teams of Two

~Each Player or Team gets 2 Horseshoes. The First Player or Team, will throw both of their Horseshoes towards one of the stakes. Then the other team will throw their Horseshoes at the same stake. After the points are tallied, the players will now throw their Horseshoes towards the opposite stake.

How you Score

~ Ringer - If you Horseshoe lands around the stake it is called a Ringer and it is worth 3 Points. If your opponent then throws a Ringer right after you then that wipes out your points and no one scores.

~Leaners - If you toss a Horseshoe and it lands and stays leaning against the stake it is called a Leaner and iw roth 1 Point.

~Other Horseshoes need to be within 6 inches of the stake (or a Horseshoe radius around the stake) to be considered for points. Only the closest shoe within this area will be given 1 Point. Only one player will receive points for the closest. The only time two points will be awarded is if one player has two horseshoes closer to the stake than the other player. In this case, one point will be awarded for each shoe for the total of two points.

~First Team or Player to reach the Point Total Agreed upon wins the Game.

Tips:

~Be sure when that you clear the area where the throwing will be so no one gets hurt.

~If the kids are young just have them see who gets the closest or who can get their Horseshoe around the stake with no points involved - let them play for fun.

While this is not necessary to have this it does help to keep the score current and accurate. The Score Station includes stand -up scoring chart 2 cup holders and a 60 inch tall adjustable steel pole with ground stake. It can also be used for many other Backyard Games you play too.

To Learn more Visit Here:
Fundex 724 Score Station

~The game of Horseshoes is thought to have descended from the ancient Greek sport of the discus throw.

~Horseshoes in the United States was probably brought over by the early English settlers.

~The first world Championship of Horseshoe Pitching took place in 1910 in Bronson, Kansas.

~It is estimated that more than 10 million people play Horseshoes every year.

Resource In Depth Info

The Game of Horseshoes is a perfect addition to a Horse Party Theme so why not tie it all together with these great Horse Party Supplies. This design is also available personalized where you can add a picture of the Guest of Honor - Now that is very cool !!!

See all the Horse Party Supplies Here:
Horse Theme Party Supplies

Click on the Photo to Order

A fun Horse Party Activity for the kids are these Stuff a Horse Party Kits from The Party Animal that allow the kids to create a new plush friend to take home and love.

Each Stuff a Plush Horse Kit comes with:

Plush Horse of Choice - Many styles to choose from and available in both 16" and 8" Sizes
Stuffing
Wishing Star Insert
Custom Horse Birth Certificate
Directions

The kids get to Stuff them by Hand in the comfort of your home with no sewing required.

To see all your Horse Choices Visit :The Party Animal

Click on the Photo to Order

Click on the Photo to Order

If you like playing games in the Backyard then you will definitely like these Giant Backyard Lawn Games. You can find everything from Giant Checkers, Scrabble, Chess, Jumbo Bowling and more. I don't know about you, but I think Bigger is Better especially when it comes to playing games.

Come see all Fun Choices Here:
Giant Lawn Games for Backyard Fun