Today, the game is popular
throughout the United States.
It’s estimated that more than
10 million people play horse-
shoes every year.
The Western Pennsylvania Horseshoe Pitchers
Association (WPHPA) was established in 1927. “We have
eight nationally sanctioned clubs including two in the South
Hills—H.O.P.E. in Carnegie, and Dormont Horseshoe Club
in Dormont,” says Ireland. Additional clubs in western PA
are located in DuBois, Erie, Beaver Falls, Mt. Pleasant, New
Castle and Warren.
“Of the eight locations, only Beaver Falls has indoor
courts, however Mt. Pleasant, New Castle and Warren have
outdoor courts, and DuBois, Erie and H.O.P.E. have both,”
she notes. “It makes this sport accessible and perfect for year-
round fun.”
The game itself is easy to learn. It’s played between two
people, or two teams of two people, using four horseshoes
and two throwing targets or stakes. Players alternate turns
tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground or pit area, which
are traditionally placed 40 feet apart.
Points are earned two different ways—either by throwing
“ringers” or by throwing the horseshoe nearest to the stake. A
ringer is a horseshoe that has been thrown in such a way as to
completely encircle the stake.
“The way games are scored depends on the league or
tournament,” explains Ireland. “Some clubs use the point
cancellation system and others use the first-to-40-points
system. Standards regulate the size and weight of horseshoes,
between two and three pounds per shoe, and the stake sticks
out of the ground at 15 inches high.”
But what Ireland emphasizes are the fun and friendships
made when people join in and start learning the game.
“We have members in the WPHPA between 9 and 90
[years old],” she says. “Everyone helps each other and
teaches them better techniques and tips for improving their
pitching percentage. This is what keeps players coming back
year after year.”
Ireland has been playing for five years and is lucky to get
advice and encouragement from her husband, Pat. She also
works directly with Cindy Hoffman, WPHPA Vice President
and World Horseshoe Champion.
“Cindy holds the most Pennsylvania Championship titles
and won the World Championship Women’s Class in 2013,”
notes Ireland. “Her current ringer percentage is 72.51. She is
just fantastic and a true lover of the sport. Another standout
in the WPHPA is Kurt von Kliest, Jr. of Warren, who has
also won several Pennsylvania Championships and has a
current ringer percentage of 66.18. Michael Yakemowicz of
Glenshaw is the youngest member of our organization at
9 years old and he works just as hard to improve his game
as our numerous members close to 90. We are so thrilled
to have our older members in the WPHPA. They enjoy
the game and receive the many health benefits, like social
activity, light cardio, mindfulness and flexibility. It keeps
them strong, active and engaged.”
Today, the game is popular throughout the United
States. It’s estimated that more than 10 million people
play horseshoes every year. “H.O.P.E. Horseshoe Club
on Baldwin Road in Carnegie will host the Pennsylvania
State Championship Tournament Labor Day weekend. All
spectators are welcome to watch some of Pennsylvania’s best
horseshoe pitchers,” says Ireland.
WPHPA hosts the Pennsylvania State Indoor Tournament
every April. This year’s tournament was at the DuBois
Horseshoe Club, Apr. 27 & 28. Members from across the
state participate in various classes: Juniors, Elders, Mixed,
Women’s Championship and Men’s Championship.
To learn more details about all the clubs in the Western
Pennsylvania Horseshoe Pitchers Association, including
locations, fees, rules and regulations, visit wphpa.com. ■
WEST MIFFLIN
❘
SUMMER 2019
15