Horseshoes are often seen as a symbol of good fortune, and you may find one sitting around in many American homes. Aside from this, horseshoes are also commonly used in a backyard game that shares the same name. Horseshoes is a game that involves throwing a set of horseshoes as close to a metal stake as possible. The goal of the game is to reach a certain amount of points (this is usually 21 or more points). It also has a few other unique traits to its scoring system which we will cover later. So whether you’re looking to try out a new party game or would just like a spare set for a good time-pass in your yard, these top horseshoe sets for 2025 that we’ve reviewed are worth taking a look at!
Champion Sports is a fairly well-known brand in the sports goods scene, and you may have heard of their name in other products. Well, it turns out that they also have a line of horseshoe sets, and they’re of pretty good quality, too. The entire set fits inside a neat little carrying bag that bears the brand’s logo, so you can carry your game with you wherever you go!
The contents of the set are fairly standard for a horseshoe set – you have a pair of metal stakes (these particular stakes are made out of steel). There are also two pairs of horseshoes, each pair bearing a different color for easy identification. The entire package weighs about 10 pounds, which is fairly light considering that all the components are made out of metal.
Despite how simple the game is, horseshoe sets can often cost quite a bit of money. This is because the materials used in manufacturing horseshoe sets don’t come cheap, and when you’re making four horseshoes and two stakes out of metal, you’re bound to end up with a somewhat hefty price. Not to worry, though, as the Franklin Sports Horseshoes Set is very decently priced for its value!
The horseshoes are colored grey and blue, and the stakes are made out of steel. There are also more expensive alternatives to the set we’re recommending, which is the Family set. This includes the Professional set, which costs almost twice as much but is made out of extra durable materials, perfect for regular and long-term use.
Red, white, and blue is fairly common pattern seen in T-shirts, water bottles, and more. But if you’re looking for the good old patriotic pattern in your horseshoe sets, you’re at the right place! Yes, if you really want to go all in, you can get yourself a set of horseshoes painted in the manner of the star-spangled banner. It may be a common design, sure, but the way they executed it with this particular set of horseshoes is pretty impressive. And don’t worry if you’d rather have other designs or colors since there are alternatives too! The set comes with four cast horseshoes and 20” stakes with silver hammer finish.
Horseshoes is a fairly simple game, and maybe you’re not a fan of ornate designs or special patterns and shapes. If simplicity is what you’re looking for, then you’ll love this horseshoes regulation game set by GoSports. It’s fairly simple, with different colors for the horseshoe as well as the stakes themselves. At a glance, you’ll be able to see if the horseshoes are touching the stake, ringed around it, or not nearby the stake at all.
The materials used in the production of all the components are of fairly good quality. They’re made to last, and they can resist breaks, rust, and corrosion. You can set it up and play anywhere you want, which is perfect if you’re looking for a nice party game to set up the theme.
This final set is intended for those who really want to take horseshoes to the next level. The game is is simple, sure, but like many other party games, it can get pretty competitive, and there’s a good amount of skill required to actually play the game when things get competitive and interesting! This line of horseshoe sets is designed particularly for the do-or-die players, and you’ll find that the quality of the materials and components is like no other.
To play horseshoes, you’ll need to know the rules, own the tools, and have the right mindset. This section will cover everything you need to get started and put a pin on a nice set.
A horseshoe set is a set of components that, when used together, allows two to four players to play horseshoes. The game involves tossing a horseshoe onto a metal stake, with scores tallied at the end of each round until one of the players reaches 21 points.
The rules of horseshoes are pretty simple, but if you aren’t familiar with them, don’t worry – here’s a quick rundown on how the game works to get you started:
Setting up the playing field is actually very easy. All you need is an empty area and two metal stakes. Simply drive two metal stakes 40 feet apart from one another, and have the stakes tilt towards each other slightly. That’s it – you’re good to go! Now, depending on the available space that you have to work with, or the capabilities of the players, you may want to shorten or lengthen the distance as necessary.
The game is played in teams of either one or two, resulting in a two or four-player game. The format is very similar to ladder toss if you’ve ever played that. For a two-player game, both players will stand on the same side at all times, tossing from one metal stake to the other. At the end of the round, both players move to the other side, where they will then proceed to toss the horseshoes to the other end. This repeats until the game ends.
For four-player games, one player in each team will stand on one side of the field. This results in both teams having a player on each metal stake. The first round will be played by both players on one end. The second round will then be played by players on the other end, and this back-and-forth continues until one team wins.
Once all the players are in position, the game can begin. After choosing who goes first, the first player throws or tosses their horseshoes onto the stake. Note that you cannot plant your feet further than the imaginary line set by the metal stake beside you. Then, the opposing player throws their own two horseshoes, and the round ends. This is when scores are calculated.
Arguably the most complicated part of this otherwise simple game is the scoring system. Scores use a cancellation system, wherein both teams are scored, and the team with the lower score subtracts their score from the opposing team with the higher score. So, if the red team scores two points and the blue team scores only one, then one point is taken away from the red team, resulting in the round ending with one point to the red team and no points for the blue team.
Horseshoes within 6 inches of the stake are worth 1 point. Horseshoes that ring around the metal stakes (known as “ringers”) score for 3 points instead. Before the game begins, you can also agree on an optional rule wherein a horseshoe that leans on the stake will count towards 2 points. If this rule does not take into effect, such a horseshoe will only award 1 point for being within 6 inches of the stake.
To win the game, one team must score 21 or more points to win. This may take a while due to the cancellation system. Players will either move back and forth between rounds for a two-player game or have their teammates play every other round in a four-player game.
Horseshoes is a game that involves heavy metal horseshoes, and this means that there’s always the risk of injury if you aren’t careful. When you’re playing in a two-player game, there should be no real risk, as you’re throwing away from your position, but move away if you’re playing in a four-player game and it’s not your turn. If you’re spectating, it’s best to watch from the sides to minimize any possibility of injury.
Remember, you’re playing with some pretty heavy materials. Aside from carrying the risk of injuring other people, you may also end up damaging property such as walls, tiles, and the like. Be mindful when playing and you should be fine.
The only real hurdle to playing horseshoes is whether or not you can toss or throw a horseshoe 40 feet across. And even if you can’t, you can always move the stakes closer to accommodate for this, so horseshoes is a game that can be played by pretty much anyone.
A game of horseshoe is based on whoever scores 21 points first. So if there are two teams or two players playing the game, whoever reaches the figure 21 first, wins!
While it can be a fun family game, it is recommended that only older kids and teens play horseshoes, as it can be difficult to toss a horseshoe at a young age without causing accidents.