How many of you folks are horseshoe pitchers? We've started our "somewhat weekly" bow shoots again and where we shoot they have some horseshoe pits set up. Well, it's just stakes in sand 40 feet apart, but that's all you really need. Problem is, I've kind of become addicted to this and I want to build my own horseshoe pits. I've stumbled across some good ideas on the internet but I was wondering if any of you have any good ideas to incorporate or maybe some pictures. I did find out that a good pair of throwing shoes is a lot more expensive than I thought they would be.
I made some pits last summer, real simple ones. All I did was make a 4'x4' square out of 2x6s, and dug it into the ground. I can't remember what the distance between stakes was, but I do remember they had to be at a forward angle (leaning towards each other). I can get pics if you want, but they are literally boxes dug into the ground filled with sand Nothing fancy at all.
Yep, my plan is to use treated 2x6's as a frame and set it into the ground. The one thing that I'll have to do differently is figure out how to cover them when not in use. If I put them in the back yard the dogs will have a field day in them. If I put them in the front the stupid cats will most certainly use them as a litterbox. The last thing I want to do is grab a horseshoe covered with cat crap. I'd really like to get fancy and pour either concrete pitching platforms on either side of each pit or just incorporate the pitching platforms into a concrete walkway the entire length, complete with 37 foot and 27 foot foul lines. The distance from stake to stake is supposed to be 40 feet. You're right about the angle on the stakes. The stake is supposed to have 15 inches of exposed steel and at the correct angle the top of the stake will measure 12" vertically from the top of the clay/sand.
Yeah, you are wanting to get way fancier than I got I just wanted another yard game to give my beer drinking some variety
I pitch every now and then. My dad on the other hand is hardcore used to play at the regional level. I'm not consistent enough, just need to practice I guess. I made a back stop out of landscaping railroad ties. Does the job. My dad made a setup like your talking about. Even installed lights for playing at night to simulate final rounds in tournaments. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Man we used to throw horse shoes a few nights a week. Those were the good days... early 20s, making good money, no responsibility... We dug 2 pits about 6 inches deep, roughly 36" x 36" (can't remember exactly, but they were decent size). We put a wall up behind it to keep them from leaving the pit, or getting sand in our beers.. I mean... wait, yeah beers. Thankfully he had a light from the gas station above his driveway that shined more than well enough for us to be able to throw at night. I might drive by and see if they are still there, darn good times. Good thread
You should pick it up again. I never pitched horseshoes until the past couple of weeks, but I already know that it's a little addicting. One of our guys is a real pitcher and he keeps telling me that I'm a "natural". I don't know about that, but I've already got the one flip down and my accuracy is dialing in quickly.
The local sportsmens club we camp at has a pit that we use quite abit when we are out there. Their setup is 36x36 dug about 4inches filled with sand and concrete poured on each side. they have a 2x6 boardering the front of the pit with railroad ties as a back stop. I am not very good at all but add a few beers and some friendly family competition and its a damn good time.
