Backyard Games: Horseshoes [Paperback]

Steven Boga (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The rules of horseshoes have changed over the years, for much the same reason pro football's have: to encourage more scoring. In 1909 the stakes protruded only 2 inches above ground, whereas today they tower 14 inches. The distance between the stakes, the size and weight of the horseshoes, and, of course, the strategy of the game have all evolved, too. Boga recounts horseshoes history in this handbook's opening chapter, then gets down to the real point--how to play the game right and well. He describes styles of pitching (i.e., various turns and the popular "flip" technique), the proper grip, stance, and swing, and "winning the mental game." Moreover, he advocates a holistic approach that involves visualization, focus, and concentration. With nearly half the book devoted to the official rules and master schedules for tournaments, and considering Boga's clear instruction and obvious dedication, this is a book for the serious player. Mike Tribby

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811724905
• ISBN-13: 978-0811724906
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,117,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bob's comments of Steven Boga's horseshow book., December 24, 1999

By 

Dolores Means (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Backyard Games: Horseshoes (Paperback)

I gave this book to my husband Bob and the following are his comments:

I found Mr. Boga's book concise and informative. It has an excellant description of the history and development of the sport. His instructions on pitching can easily be understood by the beginner. I had a personal revelation. My grandfather was originally from Kansas City. Mr. Boga explained this was one of the great early centers of horsepitching. My grandfather taught my father and me how to pitch horseshoes. Neither of us matched his skill. I am now 72 years and still love the game. As Mr. Boga said in this book, there is a feeling of peace and satisfaction you receive when playing the game. Horseshoe people are congenial pleasant people. I would recommend this book for pro's and beginners.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bocce/Horseshoes Connection?, December 20, 2001

By 

Mario Pagnoni (Methuen, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Backyard Games: Horseshoes (Paperback)

Horseshoes by Steven Boga

Review by Mario Pagnoni
Author, The Joy of Bocce

Noting that some of my New England bocce-playing friends also pitch horseshoes, I searched for a book on the game. If there were none, I reasoned, I'd write it myself. Steven Boga saved me a lot of time and effort. He has put together a clear, concise, information packed 100-page booklet that more than does the sport justice. It covers in detail the techniques of grip, stance, swing, release, and follow-through. It includes very detailed diagrams for court construction and even lists the complete rules of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association of America (NHPA).

Boga's brief, entertaining history of horseshoes chronicles the evolution and standardization of the game. He notes that before equipment manufacturers got involved, "Shetland pony shoes sometimes had to compete against those of Clydesdales."

I particularly like the way the author relates horseshoe pitching concepts to more familiar sports. "Take a practice swing up and back..." he says, "like a baseball player taking shadow swings." And calling a shot that was short of the stake an "air shoe" made me laugh out loud.

Clear, helpful drawings eliminate any chance of misunderstanding Boga's well crafted text. Finally, quotes from interviews with top players and anecdotes attributed to past pioneers of the game intersperse the book. This is a gem for the aspiring horseshoe pitcher and will entertain and inform the seasoned veteran as well.