It’s almost guaranteed that anyone who’s ever been on Instagram reels has seen a video of a European tween jumping over a hurdle, cradling a wooden stick with a horse head. These videos usually raise questions like, “What’s wrong with my algorithm?”, “Who decided this was an acceptable form of exercise?”, and “Should I delete Instagram?” No one stops to ask what makes this sport so special and the community that comes along with it.
Hobby Horsing was invented in Finland in 2002 and has been spreading worldwide since. Part of the reason it became so popular is because it’s able to be practiced at all levels from totally casual to competing in national conventions. It’s also completely unique from all other sports due to the fact that it combines imagination, creativity, and athleticism.
In accordance with USHH Championships, Hobby Horse enjoyers say that their favorite parts of the sport are creating different personalities for their horses and going on trails with their friends. However, Hobby Horsing has many other appealing draws. It can be enjoyed in a totally solitary way to relax, or be a fun placeholder for people who aren’t able to own a real horse. In addition, it’s one of the only sports that isn’t solely focused on exercise. Hobby Horsing can be done anywhere at any time from trail riding, to dressage, to hurdles, or even braiding your favorite horse’s mane.
According to Young Rider, 15 year old hobby horse enthusiast Mica Zandstra was drawn to the sport due to the intricate, hand-made horses but said that what got her to stay was the supportive community that went along with it. People involved in the sport help each other grow and say it’s nice to have a space where everyone belongs no matter how competitive or casually they participate in the sport. She says that “[she] hopes to spread love and support for the hobby horse sport, create a larger hobby horse community, and be an inspiration to those who don’t own their own horse by letting them know you should fly high for your dreams.”
So, why does this sport get so much hate? Firstly, many people don’t realize the athleticism it takes to jump over a four-foot hurdle while holding a long wooden stick. Secondly, for a lot of girls, it can feel like they can’t have any hobby without getting hated on, no matter what it is. Since the sport is primarily young girls, they tend to receive the brunt of the mean comments despite the fact that playing with pretend horses isn’t hurting anyone.
Most importantly, Hobby Horsing is a sport that encourages people to stay true to themselves and do what makes them happy no matter what everyone else says. Grab a horse and try it out for yourself!
