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Once a fun pastime reserved for nurseries, playrooms, and gardens, hobby horsing has evolved into a uniquely intriguing sport that’s fast-gaining widespread interest and attention. No longer the preserve of children “horsing around’ it’s now a competitive discipline with organised events, skilled participants, and a dedicated community of enthusiasts who take the sport seriously.
Read on as we explore the ins and outs of hobby horsing and how it has become a global phenomenon in recent years.
What is Hobby Horsing?
Unlike traditional horse riding, hobby horsing involves using a hobby horse—a man-made horse head on a stick—instead of a real live horse and saddle.
The pastime effortlessly combines elements of sport, fun, and highly creative play. This has made it popular not only with children and teens but with hobbyists of all ages and from all walks of life.
The History of Hobby Horsing
While hobby horse riding is a relatively new addition to the world of sports, its history is still undoubtedly fascinating. The hobby originated in the early 2000s in Finland, originally aimed at enticing children and teens to join in a range of disciplines with their trusty steeds.
Thereafter, the sport quickly spread to other European countries and then to other continents within just a few short years. Over 260 riders from 22 different countries participated in the 11th annual Finnish Hobby Horsing Championships in Seinajoki in 2024!
Is Hobby Horsing A Sport?
In short, yes. Hobby horsing has attracted eager participants from all over the globe who have largely driven its phenomenal growth into an internationally acclaimed sport. Julia Mikkonen, the Chairwoman of the Finnish Hobby Horse Association, estimates that in 2024, there are around 10,000 hobby horsers globally, and this number keeps growing.
As a sport, hobby horsing has a wide and varied appeal. Beyond the fun, creative atmosphere that the competitions create, the sport actually requires a great deal of skill and physical strength.
Riders must be able to jump challenging obstacles and maintain stamina for long periods of time while firmly holding their hobby horses in place. The world’s most accomplished hobby horse competitors need strength, mobility, and stamina similar to that of elite gymnasts and hurdlers to maintain their positions.
Why Hobby Horsing is Becoming So Popular
There are a few key reasons why hobby horse riding has become so popular in recent years. They include:
Accessibility
Traditional horse riding is a classic pastime, but it can be expensive and may not be accessible to everyone.
Hobby horsing is far more accessible to people of all socio-economic backgrounds and can be enjoyed without horses, horse riding equipment, or stables. Anyone with a hobby horse – bought or homemade – can participate, even in top contests.
Health and Psychological Benefits
Hobby horse racing requires a high level of physical fitness, strength, and skill, as well as endurance and excellent coordination. Practising the sport can enhance physical fitness and health while boosting mental focus and concentration as you navigate the track.
Community and Social Benefits
Hobby horsing is a highly social activity, and participants can easily form strong community bonds with other riders. The sport has numerous online groups and forums, competitions, and clubs where riders can connect with other like-minded people, share their support, and gain valuable tips on how to improve their hobby horse riding skills.
Creativity and Fun
Hobby horsing allows for endless fun and creativity. Horsers can create their own imaginative riding routines, design unique courses, dress up their hobby horses as they see fit, and even assign their horses distinct personality traits.
This is especially appealing for younger riders, but people of all ages can express their creativity freely during hobby horsing, too.
Widespread Appeal
Hobby horsing was originally popular among children and teen girls in Europe, but it wasn’t long before adults of all ages started to embrace it as well. Hobby horsing has a universal appeal among young riders and adults alike, who can all benefit from its physical demands, social inclusion, and fun side.
Hobby Horse Competition Structures
There are a variety of competitions, contests, and events held for hobby horsing participants, with the UK Hobby Horse Championships being just one of them.
These hobby horse competitions follow very similar structures to real equestrian events. Some of the most popular categories include dressage hobby horse shows, eventing, show jumping, and in-hand hobby horse showing. Many leading championships and events also include freestyle, cross-country, and team events.
Much like traditional equestrian events, participants are evaluated on their athletic performances and how well their horses are tacked and presented. This has led to many riders customising their wooden hobby horses with hobby horse tack and stylish accessories like our LeMieux AW24 Hobby Horse Vogue Headcollar and LeMieux Hobby Horse Grackle Bridle as a nod to classic equestrian gear.
A Unique Blend of Creativity, Athleticism and Fun
Hobby horse racing may have started out as a quirky pastime, but in just a few short decades, it has grown into a global sensation with tens of thousands of enthusiasts. As the sport continues to thrive, major hobby horsing events are expected to play a vital role in driving the sport’s development and attracting more enthusiasts than ever before.
The activity’s unique blend of creativity, athleticism, and fun has made it a cherished pastime among riders of all walks of life. Its community element also brings people together for social connection over a stimulating cause.
If you’re eager to explore the wonderful world of hobby horse riding or get involved in a hobby horse competition, we have everything you need to get started at Ayr Equestrian. Our collection of high quality hobby horses, kid’s hobby horses, and hobby horse tack from leading brands will have you feeling confident and ready to tackle the track in a whole new way.
