Vermont horseshoe club keeps ancient sport alive

BRISTOL, Vt. (Aging Untold) — A Vermont horseshoe club has been drawing players for decades, and some of the players are world-renowned.

The Sodbusters Horseshoe Club has had a summer league in Bristol for nearly 60 years.

A 24-time state champion

Debra Brown is one of the players who takes the game seriously. She said she is a 24-time state champion, a nine-time New England champion and a one-time world champion.

“I’m not a celebrity. I just love the game,” Brown said.

But Brown said the sport is not as popular as it used to be.

“If we don’t have kids and future of it, we don’t have a sport,” Brown said.

Family affair

So Brown played a match against Blair Selleck, a member of the club’s junior team, giving Selleck a handicap to even out the game.

The sport is also a family affair for Brown. Her husband, Mike, introduced her to horseshoes in 1980.

“She’s more serious than I am,” Mike said. He said he’s proud that Debra is a better player than he is.

Brianna McCormack, the couple’s niece, also plays.

McCormack has won the junior world championship and the Vermont girls state title 14 times. She said the first time she threw horseshoes was in her aunt and uncle’s backyard.

Players pitch into the evening. Asked what they get out of the sport, players cited enjoyment, relaxation and camaraderie.

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