PORTABLE HORSESHOES GAME

Abstract

A portable horseshoes game that includes a flexible mat, one or more rigid poles configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the flexible mat, and one or more throwing shoes. Each throwing shoe has a base section and two arm sections extending from opposing ends of the base section. A width of a gap between the two arm sections is larger than a diameter of the one or more rigid poles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/086,567 filed Dec. 2, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to portable games and more particularly relates to a portable horseshoes game.

BACKGROUND

The game of horseshoes is traditionally an outdoor game played by alternating players or teams taking turns throwing or tossing horseshoes at stakes in the ground, which are traditionally placed 40 feet or 12 meters apart. While enjoyable, the traditional game of horseshoes requires a large outdoor space, and preferably good weather. Those wishing to enjoy a game of horseshoes in a crowded area or in bad weather are typically unable to play the game.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus, system, and method for horseshoes that overcome the limitations of conventional medical tools and procedures. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow people to play the game of horseshoes in many different locations and situations.

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available games. Accordingly, the present disclosure has been developed to provide a system and method for a portable horseshoes game that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

Disclosed herein is one embodiment of a portable horseshoes game. The portable horseshoes game includes a flexible mat, one or more rigid poles configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the flexible mat, and one or more throwing shoes. Each throwing shoe has a base section and two arm sections extending from opposing ends of the base section. A width of a gap between the two arm sections is larger than a diameter of the one or more rigid poles.

According to one implementation, the one or more throwing shoes and at least a pit area of the flexible mat includes corresponding hook and loop fastener material such that the throwing shoes engage at least the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown. In certain embodiments, the pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles. In such an implementation, each throwing shoe may include a patch of hook and loop fastener material on both sides of the base section and both sides of the two arm sections. For example, the patches of hook and loop fastener material on the two arm sections may be disposed on distal portions of the two arm sections.

In one implementation, two pit areas are disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat. In another implementation, an underside of the flexible mat comprises neoprene material. In yet another implementation, an entire top surface of the flexible mat comprises hook and loop fastener material. The flexible mat of the portable horseshoes game may also include one or more areas for displaying advertisements. The flexible mat may also be rollable.

In one implementation, the one or more rigid poles are detachably coupleable with the flexible mat. For example, the one or more rigid poles may be configured to extend through one or more holes in the flexible mat. The one or more rigid poles can have a base that is larger than the one or more holes such that the base does not completely pass through the one or more holes.

In yet another implementation, the portable horseshoes game further includes an attachment device configured to detachably couple the flexible mat to a billiards table. In another implementation, the attachment device is configured to detachably couple the flexible mat to a tailgate of a pickup truck.

In one implementation, the one or more throwing shoes and at least a pit area of the flexible mat include corresponding magnetic material such that the throwing shoes magnetically engage the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown. The pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles. According to another implementation, at least a portion of the flexible mat, the one or more poles, and the one or more throwing shoes includes a glow-in-the-dark material. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the flexible mat, the one or more poles, and the one or more throwing shoes includes markings configured to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light. In yet another implementation, the one or more throwing shoes are made from a transparent plastic material. The one or more throwing shoes can have light emitting diodes.

Also disclosed herein is another embodiment of a portable horseshoes game. The game includes a flexible mat having two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat. An underside of the flexible mat is neoprene material and the flexible mat is rollable. The game also includes one or more rigid poles configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the flexible mat. Still further, the game includes one or more throwing shoes, each throwing shoe having a base section and two arm sections extending from opposing ends of the base section. A width of a gap between the two arm sections is larger than a diameter of the one or more rigid poles. The one or more throwing shoes and the two pit areas of the flexible mat include corresponding hook and loop fastener material such that the throwing shoes engage at least the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown. The pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles.

An embodiment of a method for portable horseshoes is also disclosed herein. The method includes unrolling a flexible mat, with the flexible mat having two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat and each pit area having a hole extending there-through. The method also includes placing the flexible mat on a desired playing surface and inserting a rigid pole through the hole in each pit area, wherein a base of each rigid pole remains disposed underneath the flexible mat.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment of the disclosure. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present application may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the disclosure. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. These features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the disclosure will be readily understood, a more particular description of the disclosure briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter of the present application will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portable horseshoes game;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable horseshoes game;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable horseshoes game;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a throwing shoe of the portable horseshoes game, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a rigid pole, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable horseshoes game being setup on a billiards table, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable horseshoes game being setup on a tailgate of a pickup truck, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart diagram of a method for using the portable horseshoes game, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter of the present application may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. Also, throughout the present disclosure, like numerals refer to like elements (e.g., 101 and 201).

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a portable horseshoes game 100. The portable horseshoes game 100, in the depicted embodiment, has been set up on a playing surface 50. As described in greater detail below, the portable horseshoes game 100 can be setup and played on most any surface, such as a tabletop, counter, wall, or the like (additional details and examples below with reference of FIGS. 6 and 7). The horseshoes game 100, in the depicted embodiment, includes a flexible mat 101, one or more rigid poles 110, and one or more throwing shoes 120 or horseshoes 120.

In one embodiment, the flexible mat 101 is rollable and/or foldable, so that the horseshoes game 100 may be easily stored, transported, and the like. The flexible mat 101, in various embodiments, may comprise a rubber material, a plastic or polymer material, a hybrid rubber and plastic material, a paper material, and/or another flexible material. For example, in one embodiment the flexible mat 101 is made from a neoprene and/or polychloroprene material (e.g., a synthetic rubber produced by polymerization of chloroprene) that enhances engagement with the surface 50 upon which the game 100 is setup. In a further embodiment, the flexible mat 101 comprises one or more rigid panels, with joints between the rigid panels allowing the flexible mat 101 to be folded along the joints or the like. In another embodiment, the flexible mat 101 comprises multiple pieces (e.g., rigid pieces) that are configured to link or couple together to form the flexible mat 101, with one or more attachment devices, such as snaps, hooks, buttons, magnets and/or metals, suction cups, fabric hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, zippers, or the like.

The flexible mat 101 may be rollable and/or foldable to fit the horseshoes game 100 in a box, bag, or other container for storage and/or transportation. In a further embodiment, the horseshoes game 100 may comprise one or more attachment devices, such as snaps, hooks, buttons, magnets and/or metals, suction cups, fabric hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro®, weights, straps, or the like to removably couple the flexible mat to the tabletop 50, to a counter, to a wall, or the like. The flexible mat 101 includes various regions or areas, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the portable horseshoes game 200. As shown, the one or more rigid poles 210 are configured to extend from the flexible mat 201 to engage or catch a throwing shoe 220. As per the full-size game, the goal of the player throwing the shoe 220 is to place the throwing shoe 220 so that it encompasses the rigid pole 210. The one or more rigid poles 210, in certain embodiments, comprise a durable material, such as a plastic or polymer, wood, metal, or the like. The one or more rigid poles 210, in certain embodiments, are fixed to or otherwise integrated with the flexible mat 201, such that the one or more rigid poles 210 are not removable. In a further embodiment, the one or more rigid poles 110 are detachably couplable with the flexible mat 201, so that the one or more rigid poles 110 may be removed from the flexible mat 201 when the horseshoes game 200 is not in use, is being stored or transported, or the like.

For example, in certain embodiments, the one or more rigid poles 210 may extend through one or more holes 205 in the flexible mat 201. As shown in FIG. 5, the one or more rigid poles 110 may each comprise a base 112 that is larger than the one or more holes 305 (FIG. 3) so that the base is blocked from completely passing through the one or more holes 305. The base 112 may lock, snap, or otherwise hold a rigid pole 210 in a substantially fixed position relative to the flexible mat 201 when in use, but may allow the rigid pole 210 to be removed from the flexible mat 201 when not in use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the portable horseshoes game 300. In the depicted embodiment, various areas or regions of the flexible mat 301 are shown. For example, the flexible mat 301 may include pit areas 303 that are disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat 301. The pit areas 303 are the target landing zones for the horseshoes because the rigid pole extends through the hole 305 that is in the pit area. The flexible mat 301 may also include front and back borders 306, 307 of the pit area 303. These borders 306, 307 may have a contrasting color or may be made from a different material, thereby distinguishing the pit area 303 from the rest of the mat 301.

In another embodiment, the flexible mat 301 also includes “sidewalk” areas 304 that extend, at least partially, along the length of the flexible mat 301 and that delineate a throwing lane. Once again, these sidewalk areas 304 may have a contrasting color or may be made from a different material than other areas of the flexible mat 301. The flexible mat 301 may also include “out-of-bounds” areas 309. The out-of-bounds areas 309 may be treated as areas in which throwing shoes that land therein are not counted for scoring purposes. In other embodiments, the out-of-bounds areas 309 may simply be used to protect the underlying surface 50 upon which the game 300 is setup. Still further, the out-of-bound areas 309, as well as other areas of the flexible mat 301, may be used for advertising or sponsorship. Thus, the flexible mat 301 may include text, logos, etc. In one embodiment, the two holes 305 are between about 30 and 60 inches apart. For example, in certain embodiments, the two holes 305 may be about 40 inches apart from each other. As shown below, the dimensions of the game may be scaled according to an expected use scenario (see below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7).

In one embodiment, the flexible mat 301 may be made from or include material that interacts with the throwing shoes to facilitate engagement between the mat 302 and the shoes, thereby preventing or at least limiting throwing shoes from bouncing all over the place and/or falling off of our out of the playing area. For example, in one embodiment various regions of the flexible mat, including at least the pit area 303, may be made from a magnetic material that corresponds with magnetic features of the throwing shoes. In another embodiment, various regions of the flexible mat, at least including the pit area 303, may be made from or include hook-and-loop fastener material that corresponds with an associated material disposed on the throwing shoes (see FIG. 4 for additional details).

Markings on the flexible mat 301, or the flexible mat 301 itself, along with the one or more rigid poles and the throwing shoes may include glow-in-the dark material (e.g., a glow-in-the-dark coating, paint, treatment, sticker, integrated material, or the like). Alternatively, the game components may be made from or may include markings of material that fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light (e.g., blacklights). By including glow-in-the dark features or fluorescent features, the game may be played in dimly lit locations (e.g., bars, etc.). The game may also include features (e.g., the flexible mat 301, the pit area 303, the rigid poles 110, the throwing shoes 120, or the like) that have integrated light emitting diodes.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the throwing shoe 120 of the portable horseshoes game and FIG. 5 is a side view of the rigid pole 110, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the throwing shoe 120 may be between about 1 and 2 inches wide and between about 1 and 2 inches long. For example, in certain embodiments, the throwing shoe 120 is made from a plastic material in the shape of a “U” which is about 1 and ⅜ inches wide and 1 and ¾ inches long. The throwing shoe 120 includes a base section 121 and two arm sections 122 that extend from the base section. A gap 125 is formed between the two arm sections 122, and the width of the gap 125 is larger than a width of the rigid pole 110.

In one embodiment, the one or more throwing shoes 120 or horseshoes 120 are made from a durable material, such as a plastic or polymer, wood, metal, or the like. In one embodiment, the shoes 120 and/or the poles 110 are made from a transparent plastic material. In another embodiment, the throwing shoes 120 may have integrated light emitting diodes that, for example, can be configured to change color to indicate which player tossed the shoe (e.g., player or team colors). As described above, the one or more throwing shoes 120 and/or the one or more rigid poles 110 and/or an area of the flexible mat 101 around the one or more rigid poles 110 (e.g., a horseshoe pit 103) may be metal and/or magnetic, may comprise a fabric hook and loop fastener, or the like, to encourage a throwing shoe 120 to stick or otherwise remain on or around a rigid pole 110 in response to a player throwing the throwing shoe 120 toward the rigid pole 110 to engage (e.g., contact) the rigid pole 110.

As shown in FIG. 4, various patches 124 of hook-and-loop material may be attached to or integrated with the throwing shoes 120. In one embodiment, each shoe 120 has patches 124 on both sides of the shoe 120, with patches specifically disposed on the base section 121 and distal regions of the arm sections 122. Such a configuration ensures proper engagement with the corresponding and associated hook-and-loop material of the pit area 303 (as mentioned above, the entire flexible mat 301 may be made from hook-and-loop material in an alternative embodiment).

As mentioned above, the flexible mat and/or other components of the horseshoes game may be provided in multiple sizes, to facilitate use with different sized tabletops, counters, and/or walls. In a further embodiment, the horseshoes game may be played with the flexible mat directly on the floor, on the ground, or in another flat location. While the depicted embodiment includes two rigid poles, on either end of the flexible mat, so that different players may throw horseshoes in opposing directions, in another embodiment, the horseshoes game may include a single rigid pole, and players may take turn throwing horseshoes toward the same rigid pole.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the portable horseshoes game being setup in different locations: FIG. 6 shows a billiards table and FIG. 7 shows a tailgate of a pickup truck. In the billiards embodiment, the flexible mat 601 is being rolled out (e.g., setup) to cover the entire top surface of the billiards table 51, thus preventing the billiards table 51 from sustaining any damage from the thrown shoes (e.g., the flexible mat 601 may be about 82 inches long and 52 inches wide). In another embodiment, the flexible mat may be sized to only cover the felt surfaces of the billiards table 51, thus fitting within the confines of the bumper pads of the billiards table 51 and further preventing the horseshoes from falling of the flexible mat 601. Although a single throwing lane is shown on the flexible mat 601, it is expected that multiple throwing lanes may be included on the flexible mat 601, thereby allowing multiple games to be played on the same mat 601. The flexible mat 701 in FIG. 7 is sized to fit on a tailgate 52 of a pickup truck. For example, the flexible mat 701 may be about 48 inches long and may be between about 20 and 24 inches wide.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart diagram of a method 890 for using the portable horseshoes game, according to one embodiment. The method 890 includes unrolling a flexible mat at 892. The flexible mat has two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat and each pit area and has a hole extending there-through. The method 890 also includes placing the flexible mat on a desired playing surface at 894 and inserting a rigid pole through the hole in each pit area at 896, wherein a base of each rigid pole remains disposed underneath the flexible mat.

Rules and scoring for the horseshoes game, in certain embodiment, may be decided by the players. In a further embodiment, professional horseshoes rules may be used. The horseshoes game, in various embodiments, provides fun and enjoyment much like a full sized outdoor horseshoe pit, but may be enjoyed indoors, may be transported to multiple locations, may be easily stored and packed away, for much more versatile use. The game may also include optional bumper attachments or wall attachments, thereby further preventing errant shoes from being thrown beyond the playing area. For example, one or more areas of the flexible mat may be folded up (with the help of rigid inserts) to play the game in a kids mode (similar to bumpers in bowling).

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C; or some other suitable combination. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

The subject matter of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A portable horseshoes game comprising:

a flexible mat;

one or more rigid poles configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the flexible mat; and

one or more throwing shoes, each throwing shoe comprising a base section and two arm sections extending from opposing ends of the base section, wherein a width of a gap between the two arm sections is larger than a diameter of the one or more rigid poles.

2. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the one or more throwing shoes and at least a pit area of the flexible mat comprise corresponding hook and loop fastener material such that the throwing shoes engage at least the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown, wherein the pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles.

3. The portable horseshoes game of claim 2, wherein each throwing shoe comprises a patch of hook and loop fastener material on both sides of the base section and both sides of the two arm sections.

4. The portable horseshoes game of claim 3, wherein the patches of hook and loop fastener material on the two arm sections are disposed on distal portions of the two arm sections.

5. The portable horseshoes game of claim 2, wherein the flexible mat comprises two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat.

6. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein an underside of the flexible mat comprises neoprene material.

7. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein an entire top surface of the flexible mat comprises hook and loop fastener material.

8. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the flexible mat comprises one or more areas for displaying advertisements.

9. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the flexible mat is rollable.

10. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the one or more rigid poles are detachably coupleable with the flexible mat.

11. The portable horseshoes game of claim 11, wherein the one or more rigid poles are configured to extend through one or more holes in the flexible mat, the one or more rigid poles comprising a base that is larger than the one or more holes such that the base does not completely pass through the one or more holes.

12. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, further comprising an attachment device configured to detachably couple the flexible mat to a billiards table.

13. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, further comprising an attachment device configured to detachably couple the flexible mat to a tailgate of a pickup truck.

14. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the one or more throwing shoes and at least a pit area of the flexible mat comprise corresponding magnetic material such that the throwing shoes magnetically engage the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown, wherein the pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles.

15. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the flexible mat, the one or more poles, and the one or more throwing shoes comprises a glow-in-the-dark material.

16. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein one or more of the flexible mat, the one or more poles, and the one or more throwing shoes comprises markings configured to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light.

17. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the one or more throwing shoes are made from a transparent plastic material.

18. The portable horseshoes game of claim 1, wherein the one or more throwing shoes have light emitting diodes.

19. A portable horseshoes game comprising:

a flexible mat comprising two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat, wherein an underside of the flexible mat comprises neoprene material, wherein the flexible mat is rollable;

one or more rigid poles configured to extend substantially perpendicularly from the flexible mat; and

one or more throwing shoes, each throwing shoe comprising a base section and two arm sections extending from opposing ends of the base section, wherein a width of a gap between the two arm sections is larger than a diameter of the one or more rigid poles;

wherein the one or more throwing shoes and the two pit areas of the flexible mat comprise corresponding hook and loop fastener material such that the throwing shoes engage at least the pit area of the flexible mat when thrown, wherein the pit area is a portion of the flexible mat immediately surrounding the one or more rigid poles.

20. A method for portable horseshoes, the method comprising:

unrolling a flexible mat, the flexible mat comprising two pit areas disposed adjacent opposing ends of the flexible mat, wherein each pit area comprises a hole extending through the flexible mat;

placing the flexible mat on a desired playing surface; and

inserting a rigid pole through the hole in each pit area, wherein a base of each rigid pole remains disposed underneath the flexible mat.