Horseshoe Season is Upon Us…

Author: Karole Passmore

As my husband grows more glassy-eyed daily staring off into the distance, it is confirmation for me that not only is Spring here—horse shoe season is growing near.

You know how the crisp clean air of spring and new things creeping up through the ground can set your heart aflutter? Well for John, the sound of metal clanking against metal does the same thing. Spring is just a sign of the season of his favorite sport beginning. But the sound of metal clanging is like a gong calling him to a dinner of pure chocolate.

John began pitching horseshoes at a very young age, taught by his father (thanks Mr. Passmore). He competed in the world tournament at the tender age of 11 and did so well his score is an historical fact among horseshoe pitchers all over the country. So why wouldn’t he love the sport that has occupied the happiest spaces of his life. Recently at a park in Connersville John reminded me of the dog in the movie “Up” who quickly turns his head and says “Squirrel!” while in mid sentence. But for John it was a fellow horseshoe pitcher he spied from the corner of his eye and said, “horseshoe buddy!” He trotted off with a wave and fairly skipped to the courts to meet a new pitcher—and by all rights a new friend.

Right here in Wayne County at the Clearcreek Park , horseshoe pitchers have been meeting for over 50 years. As it is a relatively quiet sport—not a lot of cheering or spectators—it has flown under the radar of sports events in Richmond for most of the past few decades.

Many people do not know (as I did not) that horse shoe pitching is a highly competitive sport which can be played from the age of 5 years — up until you die (my husband’s desire is that he dies while pitching at the age of 101). Some of the best pitchers at the State Tournament, traditionally held at Camp Atterbury in southern Indiana, are 70 – 80 years old.

Alan Frances who holds the title of world champion was recently featured on a national morning news show. Horseshoe pitchers also include many talented women. Over fourth of July weekend in Greenville OH the annual horseshoe tournament draws men, women and children from all corners of the Midwest as well as a few competitors from Canada. Alan Frances will be there with his wife Amy who is also a strong competitor and their young son—a future pitcher. Our daughter who turns 5 in May could be pitching her first game there this summer as well (if her Dad has anything to do with it).

For me, a horseshoe tournament harkens me back to the days of old fashioned fun. Families sitting on blankets with their children eating a picnic lunch while listening to the rhythm of shoes hitting the posts, clank…clank. The sound does not always mean a ringer. But it does bring joy to the hearts of many pitchers who long for spring to come and the season to begin again.

The nice thing about horseshoes is that you don’t have to be an expert or even very good to pitch. And of course it is great and inexpensive exercise. The league in Richmond meets on Thursday evenings starting May 6, 2010 (cleanup and first meeting) at Clearcreek Park. All are welcome to pitch on a team or come and watch. For more information, please call my husband John Passmore at 765-993-3855. You will make his day.

—

Karole Passmore is a freelance writer who enjoys writing articles, short stories and researching non-fiction subject matter– preferably historical.  Graduate of RHS, Ivy Tech Richmond, and Earlham College– majoring in History, Karole has spent most of her life in Wayne County and enjoys the quaint atmosphere of a small town.  Karole also has a new business called “Vintage by Design” and her vintage clothing, décor, toys and designs will soon be displayed at the Railroad Store in the Depot District.  Into a healthier lifestyle, Karole is a Nature’s Sunshine distributor focusing on strengthening the body through herbal and supplemental therapies.  For more information about Nature’s Sunshine you can contact Karole at Jkkendall04@comcast.net.  (website coming soon).