Written by Did you know there’s a unique sport where people jump and race around using stick horses instead of real ones? And there’s actually a championship dedicated to this, which just started in Frankfurt on September 14, 2024!
Germany’s first championship for hobby horsing started in Frankfurt. Many riders competed in different events using wooden stick horses. About 300 riders, mostly kids but including around 20 adults, joined the two-day event, and approximately 1,500 people came to watch.
This competition is part of a growing trend in hobby horsing around the world. This year, for the first time, the United States and Australia also organized their own championships.
Yes, read that right!
Now you might wonder, “What’s hobby horsing anyway?” I’m sure you’re just as curious as I am.
It might sound or look a bit unusual to a stranger at first, but once you learn more about it, you realize it’s a cherished sport with a rich history and a dedicated fan base.
Hobby horsing is a fun sport that combines gymnastics with the use of stick horses. Imagine running around, jumping over things, and doing cool tricks while holding onto a stick horse.
Just like in real horse riding, there are contests that people have to compete in, such as dressage, jumping over obstacles, or performing a freestyle.
In dressage competitions, riders perform predetermined movements, known as ‘figures’ or “movements,” in an arena. Show jumping, which involves jumping over barriers, is also a form of dressage.
Judges will watch and rate them on how good their moves are, how unique they are, and their general style. They will also look at how style jumpers stand, make sure they jump right over the middle of the obstacles, land properly, and keep an even speed.
The riders will also get points for how they dress up for the competitions, and the one with the highest score wins.
But hobby horsing isn’t just about having a good time. Like any sport, those who participate in hobby horsing must be athletic, have a strong core, and have enough stamina to win.
How Did It Start?
Hobby horsing started in Finland in the early 2000s as a fun activity in which mostly young girls made their horses out of sticks and other materials and added heads made from fabric or wool to make them look like real horses.
They would then pretend to ride these hobby horses, doing dressage and show jumping. This hobby quickly became more organized, with competitions and clubs happening. Then, it became popular on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2023, Germany started its national hobby horsing association with only 13 members. Today, it has grown to include over 5,000 participants and more than 200 clubs all over the country.
