Group rebuilds horseshoe pits at Sunrise Park

Vickie Hamilton

Thanks to the All American Horseshoe Association of PebbleCreek for recently completing the four regulation horseshoe pits at Sunrise Park in Eagle’s Nest. These gentlemen volunteers worked together as a team to complete the project. It all started three years ago, according to member Ted Ingalls, when Sunrise Park had four original courts. Those original courts were positioned too close together for safe and comfortable play. The group decided to pitch in and build four regulation courts to the specifications of the National Horseshoe Players Association.

The members gathered all the materials and set out to build the best horseshoe pits possible – and they succeeded! Landscaping staff supported the players and funded the upgrading project. Trying a number of combinations of sand and soil, they finally settled on 60% sand and 40% soil – a combination which they found most suitable for the proper landing of the shoes. Heavy wooden frames keep the sand in the pits and a large metal stake in the center, the pin, is the target for the horseshoes. They also built wooden backboards and applied several layers of polyurethane to protect them from the elements.

When the All American Horseshoe Association built the pits they also built all the associated accouterments – only the finest: wooden scoreboards with wooden pegs to keep score; cup holders for players drinks; custom made measurers and custom made scrapers to keep the courts in top notch shape during play and a metal hook to pick up the horseshoes keeping players from having to lean over to pick them up from the ground. They even have a hose carrier to keep the hose off the ground and out of the way of play. The courts are numbered so when the group plays, they bring along their assignment board to identify teams and the court in which they will be playing.

The All American Horseshoe Association of PebbleCreek invites residents to join them on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. at Sunrise Park. Start time will adjust as temperatures rise. The group usually plays three games then retreats to the clubhouse for refreshments and to socialize. Ladies are strongly encouraged to join in on the fun also!

Ahhhh, what could be sweeter than a beautiful morning in PebbleCreek, easy companionship and the clang of horseshoes striking a metal stake in the gentle breeze? What is so great about this game is its simplicity, accompanied by its challenges. It can be a social game enjoyed by groups of players or played alone. It can be played by most anyone, young or old, is inexpensive and does not require one to be particularly athletic. Whether played for fun or competition, horseshoes offers something for everyone!