Horseshoe pitching is one of America's favorite pastimes - it can be said that almost everybody has pitched shoes at some time or another - in their backyard, at a picnic or at a company event. The organized sport of horseshoe pitching has been around since 1899 and is governed by the National Horseshoe Pitching Association ( NHPA ) . The Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers Association ( VaHPA ) , has over 300 members around the state, and 11 active clubs. All of the clubs hold weekly league play and host sanctioned and non-sanctioned tournaments through out the summer.