Horseshoe Pitching Rules and Classes

Superintendent – Jim Kinney, Drexel, MO
Phone: 816-536-9845

Asst. Superintendent – Scott Raimer, Hannibal, MO
Phone: 573-719-0269

Judge – Ron Highley, Harrisonville, MO
Rick Gwinn, Independence, MO

Amount Offered

  • Amount offered in this department by State Fair: $750.00
  • Amount offered by Mo. Horseshoe Pitchers Assn: $750.00
  • Total offered in this department: $1,500.00

Judging Program

Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23

Rules of Play

  1. This tournament shall be known as the Missouri State Fair Mixed Open Tournament. Any current NHPA member meeting eligibility requirements may enter, regardless of residence. There are 12 clay courts available with concrete walkways and pitching platforms. This is a NHPA sanctioned event.
  2. The first 96 entries will be put in classes limited to those shown on the prize list. Entries will be accepted in the order they are received. All entrants will compete together and will be placed according to averages.
  3. All pitchers will be placed by their eShoe average, or MOHPA Membership Director, on August 3, 2026. NEW PITCHERS may use a sanctioned league average of at least 400 shoes or may send a scoresheet of 100 qualifying shoes. Qualifying shoes must be pitched consecutively and recorded on a scoresheet witnessed and signed by two NHPA members in good standing. League averages must be verified in writing by the league director.
  4. Entry fee for adults – $15.00. Juniors – Free, but they must have a membership card. Check should be made payable to Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Assn. (MOHPA) and should be sent to Rick Gwinn, 2109 N. Ponca Dr., Independence, MO 64058. Entries must be received by July 28, 2026. The tournament committee reserves the right to rerate qualifying scores. Contestants will be notified of their class and pitching time by email or, if no email available, by mail.
  5. This tournament is conducted under the rules of the Missouri Horseshoe Pitchers Association and the N.H.P.A. The judge’s decisions will be final. Classes will be scheduled for 8 player round robins where possible. Contestants failing to appear forfeit all prize money.
  6. All pitchers must wear shirts with their names lettered on the back.
  7. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.

Tentative schedule: (subject to change)

  • Saturday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. – Classes J, K, L
  • Saturday, August 22, 1:00 p.m. – Classes G, H, I
  • Sunday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. – Classes D, E, F
  • Sunday, August 23, 1:00 p.m. – Classes A, B, C

Plaques and Ribbons

  • Missouri State Fair – All first-place plaques
  • Missouri State Fair – Ribbons to all places

Premiums (Classes A–L)

  • 1st place: $25
  • 2nd place: $20
  • 3rd place: $18
  • 4th place: $16
  • 5th place: $14
  • 6th place: $12
  • 7th place: $10
  • 8th place: $10