Germany’s first hobby horsing championship gallops through Frankfurt
The Associated Press
SLAPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Competitors take part in the UK Hobby Horse championship at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre on September 08, 2024 in Slapton, United Kingdom. While hobby horsing as a form of play has been around for centuries, the modern-day interpretation of the sport originated in Finland. Hobby horse competitions feature young enthusiasts trotting, galloping, and cantering on toy horses in various disciplines such as jumping and dressage. Its popularity has surged in recent years, especially during covid, and is growing in appeal. Young equine enthusiasts take advantage of its inclusivity, and enjoy the physical activity required, creativity and freedom of expression. The sport has also been found to help young people suffering with autism and ADHD, giving them a chance to connect with other young people with a love of horses. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany’s first hobby horsing championship has got underway in Frankfurt this weekend with hundreds of young riders competing in time jumping, style jumping and dressage on their wooden stick horses.
Roughly 300 riders, mostly youngsters, will canter around a gymnasium Saturday and Sunday, watched by 1,500 spectators. The competition is part of a growing wave of hobby horsing events internationally. The United States and Australia also held their first championships this year.
The events stemmed from a grassroots movement in Finland where riders cantered their hobby horses through Nordic forests more than 20 years ago. The pastime exploded in popularity through social media during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
