Hobby horsing is a hobby with gymnastic elements which uses hobby horses, also known as stick horses. Movement sequences similar to those in

show jumping Show jumping is a part of a group of English riding equestrianism, equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, Show hunter, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including th ...

dressage Dressage ( or ; a French term, most commonly translated to mean "training") is a form of horse riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an art sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. As an equestrian sport defined b ...

are partly simulated in courses, without real horses being used. The participants predominantly use self-made hobby horses. The hobby was introduced to a wider public through

Selma Vilhunen Selma Vilhunen (born October 1976 in Turku) is a Finnish film maker. Vilhunen and fellow producer Kirsikka Saari received an Academy Awards nomination in the category of Best Live Action Short Film for the 2013 film ''Do I Have to Take Care of E ...

's 2017 film ''Keppihevosten vallankumous'' (''Hobbyhorse Revolution''), which won two awards at the 2017 Tampere Film Festival. In Finland, the country of origin of the hobby, an annual national championship is held in addition to regional competitions. This sport, which can be classified as a fun and trend hobby, is particularly popular with girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 18 years and is gaining popularity beyond the other

Nordic countries The Nordic countries (also known as the Nordics or ''Norden''; literal translation, lit. 'the North') are a geographical and cultural region in Northern Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic. It includes the sovereign states of Denmar ...

in other parts of Europe. While the hobby may be perceived more as a childish pastime by "real riders," Fred Sundwall, secretary general of the Finnish Equestrian Federation, views it positively: "We think it's just wonderful that hobby horsing has become a phenomenon and so popular." "It gives kids and teenagers who don't have horses a chance to interact with them outside of stables and riding schools." A 2022 article in the British equestrian magazine '' Horse & Hound'' said that in the UK hobbyhorsing takes place occasionally as a novelty charity fundraising or Pony Club event but that "hobbyhorse competitions are probably more likely to be seen as a bit of fun at a school sports day than as a serious competition". The hobby had spread to Australia by 2016.

Hobby horses

Most hobby horses are sewn by hand. They are usually made of two halves of the head, which have an opening on the lower side, and a strip in the middle and filled with stuffing wool. The head is mounted on a stick, similar to a broom handle. Many hobby horsemen still design their hobby horses in the style of equestrian sports with elements such as snaffles, breastplates, halters, ropes and fly ears.

References

External Links

Hobby Horse revolution
by

''Official trailer on Youtube'' *{{imdb title, tt6150944, Hobbyhorse Revolution Hobbies Horses in culture Gymnastics Sport in Finland Women's sports