Top 10 Horseshoe Tournaments in North America (and How to Get Invited)
Where the Best Pitch, How to Qualify, and What You Need to Bring to Compete Like a Pro
Want to test your skills against the best in North America? Here are the top 10 horseshoe tournaments, how to enter, what to expect, and what gear you’ll need to compete like a champion.
Introduction: From Backyard Games to Big-League Pits 🎯
If you’ve been sharpening your skills in the backyard or neighborhood league, you’ve probably wondered… What would it be like to pitch in a real tournament?
The truth is, horseshoe pitching is bigger than most people realize. Across the U.S. and Canada, hundreds of local, regional, and national tournaments attract top players every year—from casual amateurs to seasoned pros.
Whether you’re aiming for your first sanctioned match or eyeing national-level glory, this guide walks you through:
- The top 10 must-know tournaments
- Entry tips and qualifying details
- What gear and mindset you’ll need to stand out
- Plus insider strategies to help you pitch with confidence
Let’s dig in and get you tournament-ready. 💪
1. 🏆 NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament
📍 Location: Varies each year
🗓️ Time: July (2-week event)
🏅 Level: Open to all NHPA members
This is the big one—the Super Bowl of horseshoe pitching. Sanctioned by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA), this event draws competitors from around the world.
How to Qualify:
- Be a member of the NHPA (join via your state chapter)
- Play at least 4 sanctioned events during the season
- Submit score records to the NHPA’s NATSTAT database
Pro Tip:
Arrive early. With thousands of pitchers and dozens of classes, early registration gives you the best slot and plenty of warm-up time.
2. 🥇 Canadian Horseshoe Pitching Championships
📍 Location: Changes annually across Canada
🗓️ Time: July/August
🏅 Level: National (Canadian players)
Run by Horseshoe Canada, this tournament is the top event for players north of the border. It features multiple divisions including men’s, women’s, juniors, and seniors.
How to Qualify:
- Join your provincial organization (e.g., Horseshoe Ontario)
- Participate in sanctioned league play or qualifiers
- Submit average stats before the registration deadline
🎯 If you’re an American player—check if cross-border invitationals are being held the same week!
3. 🥈 Team World Horseshoe Championship (NHPA)
📍 Beloit, Wisconsin
🗓️ May
🏅 Level: Invitation-based team event
Unlike most solo competitions, this is a team-based tournament where four-player teams compete round-robin style. Teams come from across the U.S. and occasionally from Canada and Europe.
Entry Tip:
- Build a team with a solid class average
- Apply early through NHPA’s website (limited spots)
🏅 Unique Feature: Awards for both team standings and individual top performers
4. 🎉 Texas State Horseshoe Championship
📍 Rotates cities within Texas
🗓️ Labor Day Weekend (September)
🏅 Level: Statewide (open to residents or club members)
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the competition. With a strong horseshoe culture, this event attracts dozens of classes, competitive brackets, and social events.
How to Enter:
- Join Texas Horseshoe Pitchers Association (THPA)
- Submit minimum of 3 sanctioned scores
- Sign up in advance with verified class average
🌞 Don’t miss the outdoor cookout and social tournament the night before!
5. 🎯 California State Championships
📍 Varies across clubs in California
🗓️ September
🏅 Level: Statewide (CA residents + club members)
California’s strong local league system feeds directly into this high-level championship. With beautiful weather and passionate clubs, it’s a great first major tournament.
Requirements:
- THPA member status
- NHPA-sanctioned scores from that season
🎥 Some matches are recorded and featured on YouTube—great for scouting!
6. 🏆 Missouri State Horseshoe Championships
📍 Typically at the Don Harris Arena (Jefferson City)
🗓️ Labor Day Weekend
🏅 Level: State
Missouri is a powerhouse in the horseshoe scene. Their state championship attracts top-tier players and families alike. It’s hosted in a covered facility with shaded seating.
📌 Entry requirements are standard NHPA averages and registration deadlines. A fan favorite among Midwesterners!
7. 🏅 Arizona State Doubles & Singles Championship
📍 Mesa, AZ
🗓️ March (Doubles), September (Singles)
🏅 Level: Regional open
Looking for a warm-up before summer tournaments? Arizona’s early spring schedule makes it a great tune-up event. Plus, they offer both singles and doubles categories, which are harder to find elsewhere.
☀️ Pack water—desert heat is no joke.
8. 👴 Senior World Championships (NHPA-Sanctioned)
📍 Part of World Tournament Week
🗓️ July
🏅 Level: 60+ age bracket
If you’re 60 and older and still dropping ringers, this division of the NHPA World Tournament is made for you. Highly competitive and well-respected, it attracts elite players from across North America.
🥇 Age-based division with same qualification as the NHPA World Tournament
9. World Tournament Juniors Division
📍 Same as NHPA Worlds
🗓️ July
🏅 Level: Youth (Ages 9–18)
Got a young pitcher in the family? The Junior division is a fantastic way to get them into competition early. The class system keeps games fair and balanced.
🎒 Scholarships and prizes make this division even more appealing for families.
10. 🎪 Backyard Open Invitational (Various Local Clubs)
📍 Your state’s top club events
🗓️ Ongoing throughout summer
🏅 Level: Open
Don’t overlook the power of local invitationals. These single-day or weekend tournaments are often where top players get discovered.
Check with your NHPA state chapter’s website or bulletin board for upcoming opens.
What You Need to Bring to Compete
Whether it’s a local club event or a national championship, showing up prepared is half the battle. Here’s what every serious competitor should pack:
🧰 Must-Have Gear:
- Official horseshoes (NHPA-approved; forged steel preferred)
- Measuring device (tape or caliper for leaners & close calls)
- Grip towel or chalk (helps keep hands dry)
- Comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet all day)
- Refillable water bottle
- Foldable chair or shade umbrella
- Scorecard holder or clipboard
🔥 Recommended Gear:
Franklin Sports Advanced Horseshoe Set
- Durable forged-steel design
- Official weight for tournament practice
- Includes carry case & stakes
Top NHPA-Approved Brands to Consider:
- St. Pierre: Known for their professional-grade forged steel horseshoes.
- Thoroughbred Horseshoes: A trusted name among serious competitors.
- Mustang Horseshoes: Preferred for their advanced engineering and balance.
- M&M Horseshoes: Popular for their high-quality craftsmanship.
Before purchasing, double-check that your chosen set is listed as NHPA-approved. Most reputable manufacturers will clearly state this on their packaging or website.
Horseshoe Game Set
👉 Get tournament-ready with a set trusted by competitive players.
Insider Tips for Your First Tournament
- 🎯 Arrive early: You’ll need time to warm up and check in.
- 📋 Know the rules: Familiarize yourself with NHPA rules for scoring, boundaries, and conduct.
- 👋 Introduce yourself: Horseshoe pitching has a friendly community. Say hi and learn from others.
- 🧠 Play your game: Don’t try a new grip or technique on tournament day. Stick to what you’ve practiced.
- 📝 Log your stats: Use a notebook or phone to track your performance for future reference.
FAQs About Horseshoe Tournaments
Q: Do I have to be a pro to play in tournaments?
A: Not at all! Most tournaments offer class divisions by skill level, so beginners and veterans alike can compete fairly.
Q: How are classes determined?
A: Based on your ringer percentage from past NHPA-sanctioned games. Everyone gets a fair shot.
Q: Can I play in out-of-state tournaments?
A: Yes—many events are open to out-of-state players, especially invitationals and world tournaments.
Q: How can I find events near me?
A: Visit your NHPA state chapter’s website or ask local horseshoe clubs. Many list their events for the whole season.
Q: What if I don’t have a partner for doubles?
A: Some events allow you to register solo and will pair you with a compatible partner on site.
Final Thoughts: Your Road to the Big Pit Starts Now
You don’t have to wait to become a tournament-level player. You just have to show up, throw, and learn.
Whether you’re heading to a state championship or just playing at a weekend invitational, competing helps you build confidence, sharpen your game, and become part of a passionate community.
So lace up, grab your gear, and take that next step. Your first ringer under pressure might just be the one that hooks you for life.
🧲 Ready to Compete?
👉 Grab a tournament-ready horseshoe set and start training with gear that mirrors what the pros use.
Then check your local NHPA chapter to find your next event and step confidently into the circle.
For more how-to guides, gear reviews, and competitive tips, keep it locked at PlayingHorseshoes.com. 💥
Larry Mac
Hi there, and thanks for stopping by! My name is Larry, and I’m the voice behind PlayingHorseshoes.com. I love the game and have been playing since I was a kid. I started this blog because I am passionate about the sport, and with all the technology, I hope the sport doesn’t die. I plan to do my part to keep it going for me and my brother’s sake. Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to subscribe and comment. Thank You!
