What does the ancient Greek game of “Quoits” have to do with a warm, brilliantly sunny afternoon on a Mazatlán beach in the year 2004? Just about everything. For the past eight winters, a group of well-tanned Americans and Canadians have been gathering every afternoon at 1:30pm at the south end of the Pueblo Bonito beach for a friendly competitive game of horseshoes. The game of horseshoes originated in Greece as the game of Quoits, whereby players threw round iron discs up and down a pitch, the targets being pins at either end. It is believed the Greeks taught the game to the Romans, who brought it to England. With horseshoes more in abundance than discs in Britain, the game became known as “horseshoes” and quickly spread throughout the country. By the 15th Century it was a well-organized sport in England, despite the government trying to eradicate the game from pubs and taverns, calling it “seedy” in character. Eventually, the game migrated to North America, and the once “seedy” game has evolved into a wholesome sport for families and friends to enjoy in parks, backyards and at low tide on the beach in Mazatlán. The group of enthusiastic horseshoe players who meet every day on the Pueblo Bonito beach are there to have fun, socialize and throw some mean shoes. They keep score, draw a regulation 40 foot length pitch in the sand and have named their informal club “Just Horsin´ Around.” And despite the constant joking and teasing, once they step onto the pitch, they put on their game faces. It takes skill and concentration to ring a two-pound-plus horseshoe around a small metal peg forty feet away. Everyone has their own style, from the professional side hold to the back hold. If you know how to bowl, you have a leg-up in this game. Bill Kevbil from Winnipeg, Canada has been

playing horseshoes since he was 10 years old. He is the founder of the Mazatlán group, bringing down horseshoes on his first trip to this area. Like most of the players, he spends 3-4 months every year enjoying the warm climate and hospitality of Mazatlán. His horseshoe pitch soon attracted other aficionados who now come down specifically to play and meet up with old friends. “We´re just like friends in a saloon,” said Penny Massey, a permanent resident of Mazatlán who, along with her late husband Frank, has been keeper of the horseshoes during the summer months when the players have left. “The only difference is, we´re on the beach in fresh air. We play for enjoyment. And we meet a lot of people. Last year a radio announcer from the States walked by and saw the pitch. He had never tried horseshoes, loved it and spent every afternoon of his holidays playing.” As a non-traditional beach sport in this part of the world, the game draws a myriad of curious onlookers of all nationalities. “One day,” said Bill, “a lady from Sicily came up and asked me what in heavens name we were doing. Being Italian she was familiar with bocci ball, but couldn´t figure this one out.” The rules are quite simple, though, and anyone can play it. Two opposing team players stand together at each end of the pitch (red & green on one end, red & green on the other). One end plays and counts score. Then the second end plays. Points are awarded depending on the proximity of the horseshoe to the peg. The highest score of three points is for a “ringer” and the distinctive “clink” sound of a horseshoe dropping on the peg brings everyone to their feet cheering. So if you´re on the Pueblo Bonito beach around 1:30pm on any given day, stop by the horseshoe pitch and give it a try. You´ll be more than welcome, and it´s guaranteed you´ll make some friends.