Turning the Horseshoe

• Turns are the number of revolutions the shoe makes in flight. To get the horseshoe to turn properly in flight, it should be gripped by the fingers on one of the shanks or legs. Hold it between your fingers and thumb with the index and middle finger under the bottom of the horseshoe and curled up over its inner edge. Position the ring finger and the little finger to balance the horseshoe. Try throwing the horseshoe in such a way that it lands open at the pit. To make the turn faster, swing the shoe up a little more vertically before leveling it into the release position. Conversely, to make it slower, level the shoe in a horizontal position a little more quickly before releasing. Holding the horseshoe a little up nearer the toe or a little down nearer the heel on the shank will also speed or slow the turn.
  
  

The Stance

• Ted Allen, one of the greatest champions in the history of horseshoe pitching, regards proper stance as vitally important. While throwing a horseshoe, never have a rigid or tense posture. Let the body be naturally erect with a slight crouch. A right-handed player should stand to the left of the stake and a left-hander should take his position on the right-hand side of the stake so that the delivery-arm is always in line with the stakes. Always pitch from the same side of the stake at both ends of the court. So, if you are standing to the left of the stake at the south end of the court, then stand on the left at the north end. Also ensure you are well-balanced before starting your delivery. With regular practice, the well-balanced stance will become a habit so that you are always well coordinated and in perfect alignment with the stake.
  
  

Concentration

• Before starting to pitch, concentrate on your distance and alignment with the stake. Practice throwing the shoe for some time to get into the mood. Concentrate on your own pitching, alignment and on gaining the correct posture. Ignore your opponents and work on your own strategies. Perfect your grip and focus on getting the rhythm right before you start the actual game.
  
  

The Footwork

• The correct footwork in the delivery step makes it easier to swing the shoe and also to maintain balance for that perfect throw which will land a ringer (a throw where the horseshoe lands on the pit completely encircling the stake). A short and easy walk to the pit will provide enough propelling power to your shoe. A long walk will just disturb the balance of your body and result in a low trajectory. The delivery step must be perfectly coordinated with the swing of the arm at the moment when arm reaches the height of its back swing. A right-handed player should step forward with his left foot and vice versa. Always step in alignment with the stake and never cross step.