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Q&A for How to Build a Horseshoe Pit

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Question

How far apart are the stakes in feet?

Community Answer

The official rules state that the stakes must be fastened securely in the the ground exactly 40 feet apart, leaning 12 degrees towards the opposite stake.

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Question

Why do I need to place the wood on either side of the pit?

Community Answer

Because the grass area will turn to dirt areas with the people throwing the shoes, so it will look better and be nicer to stand on when wood is in place.

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Question

Do I need to put dirt in the boxes next to the horseshoe pit?

Community Answer

No.

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Question

How far apart are the stakes?

Community Answer

8 meters.

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Question

How far from the pin should the backstop be in a horseshoe pit?

Community Answer

Your backstop should be 12 inches back from the pit, minimum of 36 inches wide.

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Question

How much of the stakes should be above ground?

Community Answer

14 inches should be exposed. Concrete form stakes work great, since you can get them much longer than the ones that usually come with kits. They are also much more stable in the ground.

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Question

Does a horseshoe pit have to be set in the ground, or can it sit on top of the ground and be filled with sand?

Community Answer

You can build it out of the ground, but the wood will get battered by the horseshoes more and possibly break off.

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Question

What are the dimensions of the box?

Community Answer

36 inches X 48 inches. The 36 inches being front, facing the foul line and the other is back facing the back board, which should be 12 inches from the back of the pit.

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Question

Where does the foul line go for someone 70 years old or older?

CurtM

Community Answer

According, the foul line should be placed at a distance of 27-37 feet (8.2-11.2m) from the stake. However, you can draw your throwing line wherever you like and feel most comfortable--after all, it's your pit!

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Question

How do I tell how much wood I need to build a horseshoe pit?

Community Answer

The official rules state that the pit must be between 2.5' x 3.5' and 3' x 6'.

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Question

It it all right if the area on either side of the pit is dirt?

Community Answer

Yes, that's fine.

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Question

Where is the best place to find 3-foot stakes?

Community Answer

Buy a set of horseshoes and it will come with the set. They are very inexpensive.

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Question

What was used to cover the throwing platforms?

CurtM

Community Answer

In the visual examples provided above, the sand on either side of the pit has been covered with additional 2x4 or 2x6 boards. However, these are not a necessity, and are only there to keep the playing surface pristine. If you want to add platforms to your horsehoe pit, simply nail 3-4 2x4s or 2-3 2x6s cut to a length of 36" into place along the longer sides of the pit frame, then fill in the space underneath them with sand.

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Question

Where can I find blue clay?

Community Answer

You can find blue clay online and in stores like Walmart.

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Question

What are the regulations on the horseshoes?

Undertale4141

Top Answerer

You have to decide these for yourself, or with the group you are playing with. Majority vote rules.

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Question

What is the diameter of the stake?

Community Answer

Each stake should be solid, metal, and one inch in diameter. The length is whatever it takes to be 14" - 15" out of the ground and deep enough not to move about.

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Question

How far from the post should the back board be?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Approximately two feet.

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Question

I live in a zone prone to fire ants and we have cats roaming freely in the neighborhood. I prefer not to use sand in the pits. What is the next best option for the pit?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Bark chips, wood chips, sawdust or simply bare ground.

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Question

What is the diameter of the steel stakes?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Half an inch or a little more.

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