Horseshoes, the perfect family game for kids and adults alike.
But there’s a problem.
The market is flooded with numerous options horseshoe sets.
Thus, finding the best horseshoe set for you or your family can be a little challenging.
We’ve made it easy for you. Here’s the ultimate guide for choosing the best horseshoe set.
Let’s dive straight in!
Navigation Table
Best Professional Horseshoe Sets In 2021
Last but not least is a top-rated professional pitching horseshoe.
It is the best professional horseshoe set we have on this list.
The Gordon Professional Pitching horseshoe is a medium weighted horseshoe that is made with the professional player in mind.
It is has been approved by the NHPA for use in Tournament and League Play.
Also, since it is made with premium forged carbon steel, the horseshoe is very durable.
Plus, its hooks are hardened to offer even better performance.
You’ll play with this horseshoe hundreds of games without breaking it.
To top it all, the manufacturers have added a top-quality red powder coat that gives it that attractive look.
- Very durable
- Hardened hook for easy setup
- Top-quality powder coat finish
- Right weight
- None
Want to feel like a pro playing the horseshoe game?
Then, this complete horseshoe set by St. Pierre is your perfect choice.
To begin with, it has been approved by the NPHA.
Thus, it meets all the requirements of a professional horseshoe set.
What’s more, it is uniquely designed with more weight forged to the tips.
The edges have a tapered design which allows it to slide into the stake more easily.
Forged steel is one of the most durable materials for making horseshoe sets.
Thus, this set will serve you for years. It is guaranteed to withstand even the cruelest weather conditions.
The horseshoe set includes four horseshoes and two solid steel stakes.
It also comes with a plastic bag for the portability of your set.
- Durable and well-made
- Easy to set up
- Unique design
- Carrying case included
- Stakes could have been longer
As an avid horseshoe player, you’ll need a legit professional-grade horseshoe set.
And if you’ve been in the game long enough, you probably know that Hey! Play! is one of the best manufacturers of top game sets.
The Trademark Games Professional horseshoe set too doesn’t disappoint.
It is a well-made set that is perfect for use by beginners and experts.
It is made with high-quality steel, and it comes with all the items needed for a complete game.
And because it is a professional set, you’ll notice that the stakes have a narrow tip for easy installation.
However, the fact that it is a professional-grade doesn’t mean it can’t be used by beginners.
You can use it with your entire family, including your teens, to enjoy a horseshoe game during family reunions.
- Perfectly weighted at 2.33 pounds
- Made with heavy-duty and durable metal
- Easy to set up
- Stakes could have been longer
Best Recreational (Amateur) Horseshoe Sets In 2021
Made with top quality soft rubber, the Champion Sports IHS1 is safe for use by both kids and adults.
You’ll be at peace knowing that even when the stakes and pegs fall on your child’s feet, they’ll not get hurt.
These rubber horseshoes are also perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
They are light and soft and will not cause any damage to the floors of your house. Also, they are perfectly weighted: neither too light nor too heavy.
Their weight is perfect for s fun-filled game.
Another feature that makes the Champion Sports IHS1 a top choice set for casual fun with kids is the brightly colored pegs and stakes.
It comes with yellow pegs awhile the stakes are bright blue and red.
These are easily visible which makes it easy for you to see your targets even during the bright midday sun.
Setting up the horseshoe for the game is a breeze: quick and easy.
You’ll be playing and enjoying the game in no time. Your kids, too, can set it up without requiring your help.
- Perfect for kids
- Brightly colored
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Poles could have been stronger
Are you searching for the best horseshoe set to carry during your family vacation? Look no more. This set is perfect for you.
It is made with soft and safe rubber making it ideal for use by adults and kids alike.
The set is also lightweight and can be used by seniors too.
Another advantage of the Rubber Horseshoe Game Set is its versatility. It can be used anywhere, whether indoors or outdoors.
This means that you can play the horseshoe game in your garage, pathway, or in the backyard with your entire family.
Or, you can use them to play on the sand during your summer beach trip.
This game is a perfect way to help your little ones gain and master proper hand and muscle coordination.
The set comes with two sets of red and blue horseshoes, two rubber mats, two pegs, and two red stakes.
The yellow stakes and rubber mats are for indoor use while red stakes are used when playing outdoors.
Also included is a carrying case to help carry your set easily.
- Easy to carry
- Easy to set up
- Made with top-quality rubber
- Perfect weighted
- Pole for indoor use could have been longer
As you’ve already seen, almost all of the horseshoe sets recommended for casual players are made of rubber.
Rubber horseshoe sets are more affordable and lighter which makes them ideal for casual recreational games.
The Franklin Sports Horseshoes is yet another excellent rubber option that is ideal for casual players.
The rubber used is sturdy and durable.
And it is perfect for use by kids too.
This set comes complete with all the items needed for an indoor or outdoor game.
It has two sets of stakes: one to use outside and another one to use when playing inside the house.
And since it is easy to set up, you can start playing it as soon as you unpack it.
- Perfect for use by the whole family
- Made from top-quality rubber
- Weather-resistant
- Doesn’t come with a carrying case
Horseshoe Sets Buying Guide
Whether you are an avid player or are just looking for the perfect family fun game, your choice of horseshoe set needs to be well-thought.
That’s why we’ve compiled this section to guide you through all the nitty-gritty of choosing the best horseshoe set.
Features to Consider When Buying A Horseshoe Set
Have you ever made a purchase only to later realize that it was a total rip off? Or, was it an item that you bought that never matched your preferences?
To avoid such purchasing disappointments, here are the factors you should look at when buying a horseshoe set.
1. The Material
Are you buying the horseshoe set for yourself, or is it for kids?
The answer to this question will help you determine which material is the best for you.
There are two types of materials used to make horseshoes: rubber and metal.
- Rubber
Rubber horseshoes are cheaper and are perfect for casual fun with your family, including with kids.
They are also safer. But, this doesn’t dismiss metal horseshoes set for kids.
You’ll only need to give accurate instructions to avoid any accidents. Rubber horseshoes are also extremely durable.
They’ll last you for years, literally!
If you prefer metal horseshoes, then you must look at the type of metal used.
There are three common types of metals used:
- Ductile Iron
Horseshoes made from ductile iron are the most affordable metal horseshoes.
Although they are thicker than rubber horseshoes, they’re weaker than the other two options of metal horseshoes.
- Alloy Cast Steel
Alloy cast steel makes better and more durable horseshoes than the ductile iron.
They are also lighter. For this reason, alloy cast steel horseshoes cost more than those made from ductile iron.
- Drop Forged Steel
Drop forged steel horseshoes are the most durable options available.
As their name suggests, they are made using the conventional forging procedure where steel is hammered to the horseshoe.
Horseshoes made from drop forged steel are preferred for their lightweight and durability.
But, of course, you’ll need to shell out some extra bucks to get this set.
2. Weight
Another equally important feature to consider when selecting the best horseshoe set is the weight.
The NHPA recommends a standard weight of roughly 2.5 pounds for professional players.
The ideal weight for you depends on your individual preference.
However, if you are searching for horseshoes to be used for kids, go for lighter options.
3. Are you playing professionally or For Leisure?
Horseshoe sets made for professional players are different from those made for recreational players.
Those that are made for professional players have to strictly adhere to standards set by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA).
On the other hand, recreational horseshoe sets are lighter and do not follow any set rules.
How To Play Horseshoes: Basic Rules
Based on the official NHPA horseshoe game rules, here are the basic rules on how to play horseshoes.
Note that the rules for recreational horseshoe may vary from one area to another.
- Place stakes 4 feet apart
- Incline stakes towards each other but the lean should be less than 3 inch
- The width of the pits should be approximately 21-36 inches and a depth of about 43-72 inches
- Extend stakes 14 to 15 inches above the surface of the pit
- Stakes can be hollow or solid steel with a diameter of 1 inch
FAQ About The Best Horseshoe Sets
Where Does the Game of Horseshoes Originate?
The game of horseshoes was invented about 2000 years ago in England.
It is said that soldiers would pitch horseshoes, and someone would begin to form those shoes into rings.
How Do You Throw A Horseshoe?
The most popular grip among professionals is where the horseshoe is held with the thumb on top of the shank that is closer and the other fingers below the shank.
Hold the horseshoe in a flat position before throwing it to rotate it 11/4 turns in the air before it lands.
Here is a video to illustrate this and more variations:
How Deep Should A Horseshoe Pit Be?
The horseshoe pit should be 4 inches deep, 5 feet long, and 12 inches wide.
Where Do You Stand When Throwing Horseshoes?
Stand still within the pitching box marked at 27 feet or 37 feet.
The 27 feet line is recommended for “elder” men aged 70 or more.
Conclusion
All the horseshoe sets discussed above are great.
However, some are best for professionals, while others are perfect for use by the entire family.
Also, some are great for only outdoor use, while others can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The best one for you will depend on the intended use. I hope this article helps you make an informed purchase decision.
