Did you know that, in North America, there are more than 15 million people who play horseshoes?
So if you have been wanting this type of game area in your yard or want to expand on the game, then you should first get to know the horseshoe pit dimension.
This article will certainly help you get started going down the right path.
Table of contents
Standard Horseshoe Pit Dimensions
Horseshoes is a game played by tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground. The game’s object is to toss all four horseshoes and have them land as close to the stake as possible. But it’s not as easy as it sounds.
It would help if you were in a large open place with even ground or had trouble playing your best game. You can put up your very own horseshoe pitching court using just some available materials and a few simple tools at your disposal or any hardware store around.
In the modern-day, it has been organized. NHPA regulations detail the standard dimensions. But keep in mind that building a backyard horseshoe pitching court will not be too hard to do with the right materials at hand.
Basic Horseshoe Pit Dimensions
The basic rules for these sport dimensions are relatively uncomplicated. If a court is simple, there should be two stakes to serve and receive the ball. It is understood that these poles must be at least 40 feet apart.
An additional marker denoting what players know as the “foul” line within that distance should be built at 37 feet before every stake. From there, you can set up several elaborations, such as marking another set of foul lines 27 feet away from the poles.
These shorter courts are suitable for children under age 18 and players who are over 70. One basic improvement you can make is loosening the poles and creating a horseshoe pit. So when they touch the ground, this will prevent stakes from bouncing.
DIY Horseshoe Pit Recommendations
If you are thinking about building a horseshoe pit, you will surely appreciate having step-by-step instructions on making your backyard horseshoe pit.
The first step will be to find a suitable location for your court. You will need a level ground that has a rectangular shape. To avoid the effect of the sun’s position in the sky, it should be oriented toward the north-south.
As for size, there should be about 40 feet from end to end, though you can go shorter if space does not accommodate such measurements. Finally, there should be another six or so feet at each of the ends for a total of 48 feet.
Speaking of width, you will want your playing surface to be six feet so that spectators can get an excellent view from behind the horseshoe pits.
When setting up a pitching area, be sure not to mistake positioning your spectators behind the stake. After throwing a horseshoe, they can bounce off the stake and roll off into another direction.
Ensure that there is nothing they can use as throw-offs in the vicinity, so your horseshoes don’t get tangled up with them.
It would also be helpful if nothing could cause your horseshoes to crash down on top of anything or anyone sitting around on the ground.
We suggest building temporary backstops along the sidelines to keep people and other breakable items away from considerable danger created by stray spinning steel shoes.
To ensure maximum visibility for all the players involved and avoid dangerous accidents, it is best to have no trees, electric power lines, or any potential falling object less than 12 feet above ground level during playtime.
Horseshoe Pit Equipments And Gadgets
Once you’ve picked your location, gather all the tools and materials needed. You need:
- Two stakes
- Four horseshoes
- 2 x 6 pressure-treated boards
- Screws and spikes
- A saw to trim the lumber
- Play sand to fill the pit
- A sledgehammer
- Trenching machine or a shovel
- Landscaping fabric
You should have a set of shoes available for only pitching and not for professional shoeing horses. You can find it anywhere selling sporting goods.
The shoes are labeled 2 ½ lbs with an opening no bigger than 3 ½ inches in circumference. You will need four of these in their colors so that you can distinguish them from your opponents when it comes time to pitch them.
Sand is a natural material that can be used for pits in the ground. Don’t worry about it being too light, as it will meet NFPA standards for pit fill.
Various other materials you can use depending on your specific pit’s situation: dirt, clay, and recycled material all work fine.
Horseshoe Pit Building Steps
After setting up your stakes and measuring out the foul lines, it’s time to make a regulation horseshoe pit. It should be 43 inches to 72 inches long and between 31 inches and 36 inches wide at its base.
Frame The Pit
Now that you have measured the area where it will go and the pit size, you can start cutting the boards that make up the frames for the sides and ends of the pit.
For instance, if you end up going with a 43 x 31-inch design for your area of choice, make and cut four 43-inch and four 31-inch pieces.
Fill The Pit
To line up your hole, you can use the fabric and any fill material such as sand to add or cover the existing landscape. This will depend on how deep, wide and long your pit is, so choose the one that works for you.
Make The Stakes
Now you can set the stakes. Pick a 21-inch spot from the front and drive the stakes into the ground. Make sure to keep them even and remain 14 inches but slanting toward each other. Pour a bucketful of wet cement into each and bury it while keeping slightly upright, using more dirt as needed.
Build The Backstop
It’s important to consider safety. To avoid accidents, use 2×6 lumber and secure them with stakes. Make sure the boards are about 4 feet behind the point where the stakes are.
Set The Light
If you will only be playing during the day, natural light should be adequate. For play at night or in low-light conditions, it is advised that artificial lighting options are considered.
Avoid placing lights directly at the back or behind corners of a field or pitch because this could quite easily cause players to be blinded and unable to judge.
Conclusion
It is important to know the standard size of a horseshoe pit so that you can get the appropriate measurements. We hope you enjoyed our article on horseshoe pit dimensions and make a horseshoe pit in your backyard.
Thank you for joining us in this article, and we will see you soon!
Last Updated on 3 years by admin
