Hobby Horsing: How the hobby horse is conquering the sporting world at a gallop
24.10.2023
Translation: machine translated
If you can't or don't want to look after a real horse, you might find happiness on the back of a hobby horse. They are no longer just a children's toy, but the basis for a new sport.
Having a hobbyhorse and swinging your hooves - that's the premise behind a new trend called hobby horsing. Real horses are not used for this. Instead, a bridle with a dummy in it is used: a plush head with a wooden stick. Sounds like a child's play? But the whole thing is quite challenging.
The difficulty: moving as a human like a horse. Whether at a walk, trot or gallop. The toes are stretched out and always placed on the ground first. It's about footwork, posture and elegance, about being fast and jumping over high obstacles. This makes hobby horsing not only strenuous, but also a high level of performance.
Originated in Finland
The trend is increasingly becoming a recognised sport. It particularly appeals to girls between the ages of ten and 18. However, adults are also increasingly attracted by the discipline and ambition required.
Hobby horsemanship was invented in Finland around 15 years ago and has spread beyond Scandinavia to many other countries, such as Germany and Switzerland. There are now clubs, competitions and championships. This is where riders show off their skills. This year, for example, 14-year-old Lotta Mirring from Hamberge, Schleswig-Holstein, set a world record. She jumped a hurdle of 1.42 metres at the North German Championships.
The sports trend became particularly popular on social media. Numerous posts about hobbyhorsing appeared under the Insta hashtag #hobbyhorsing. There are also influencers who dedicate themselves entirely to the sport, such as 18-year-old Nele with her channel @_hobbyhorsing_en. On @khtsusa or @hobbyhorsefamily, on the other hand, handmade hobbyhorses are presented and offered for sale.
Everything for hobbyhorsing.
Everything for the hobbyhorse
The hobby horses are often lovingly prepared and decorated. You can style yours like a real horse. If you want to try out a special braided hairstyle on a plush horse, you can watch a tutorial.
And of course you'll find what you're looking for in our shop if you've also caught horsing fever. There are plenty of hobbyhorses to choose from here.
The best thing about it all: The versatility that this sport offers. As with conventional equestrian sports, there are show jumping and dressage and numerous disciplines. What's more, you don't have to use real horses to pursue your hobby. Who knows if they like jumping over hurdles as much as you do. Letting the animal be the animal and still practising a great sport is a great new trend.
Cover image: Shutterstock
Cat lady and coffee lover from up north. Always on the lookout for «News and Trends».