The origin of this sport goes back to the days of the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers pitched horseshoes discarded from the horses used to drive their chariots. Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War pitched horseshoes for recreation on the Boston Common. The sport has been introduced in South Africa, Italy, Japan, Grand Bahama Islands, Togo, West Africa, Australia, New Zealand, West Germany, Nigeria, Honduras, Canada, South America, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Poland, Phillipine Islands, England, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Each state association is self governing.
Some states have more than one charter.
The NHPA strives to promote and organize the sport and to standardize the rules, equipment and playing procedures. The top priority is to serve as a unifying agent between state associations, local clubs, unorganized groups and individual players. The NHPA sanctions the Annual World Tournament, state association tournaments, regional and open events and a league program. Regional Directors serve to coordinate national and state activities under the direction of the 1st Vice-President. Inductions are held annually at the World Tournament.