What exactly is hobby horsing?
Hobby horsing is a recreational activity in which participants ride so-called "hobby horses," which are sticks with a horse's head attached. These "horses" consist of a wooden or fabric horse's head and are, of course, far removed from real horses. Riders simulate riding a real horse by holding the hobby horse between their legs and mimicking riding through movement and body language.
The trend was originally started by young girls in Finland, but quickly spread to other countries, including Germany. The hobby of horse horsing has gained particular attention on social media, with many people posting videos and photos of their riding skills on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
The Importance of Hobby Horsing
-
Physical activity and fitness : Although it may look like a game at first glance, hobby horsing is a very physical activity. Participants must maintain an upright posture, keep their balance, and move vigorously, much like when riding a horse. It is therefore a good way to improve fitness and body control.
-
Creativity and imagination : A large part of the appeal of hobby horsing lies in the creative freedom. The "horses" can be individually designed, and the riders can adorn themselves with imaginative costumes and horse accessories. It's not just about the athletic activity, but also about the creative expression of the participants.
-
Competitions and shows : Organized competitions and events now exist where participants demonstrate their skills in show jumping , dressage , and other disciplines on their hobby horses. These competitions are often very professionally organized and can convey the feeling of real equestrian sport.
-
Community and social networks : Hobby horsing is a communal experience in many countries. There is a growing scene of enthusiasts who exchange ideas, practice together, or participate in competitions. This trend has also led many riding clubs and schools to include hobby horsing as a recreational sport in their programs.
The role in Germany
Germany now has a vibrant hobby horsing scene. Alongside classic equestrian sports like dressage and show jumping , groups of hobby horsing enthusiasts have formed in various regions. The trend is enjoying increasing popularity, especially among younger people and children. Events such as hobby horsing championships and festivals are gaining in popularity and attract participants from all over Germany.
Why this trend?
There are several reasons why hobby horsing has become so popular:
-
Accessibility : Unlike real riding, hobby horsing is much more affordable. You don't need expensive horses or stables, just a hobby horse and some space. And you don't have to feed the stick! :-) This makes the sport accessible even to people without financial means or access to real horses.
-
Fun and entertainment : The focus here is on fun. People can feel like a real horse without the responsibility and intensive demands of real riding.
-
Combining sport and play : Hobby horsing blends athletic activity with playful elements. Participants can simultaneously improve their physical fitness and immerse themselves in an imaginative world inspired by equestrian sports.
-
Inclusion and diversity : Hobby horsing is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. It is an inclusive activity that brings together people from different walks of life.
The excesses and challenges of the trend
As with many new trends, hobby horsing also has a dark side, albeit in a different way than traditional equestrian sports:
-
Distorted perception of equestrian sports : Some people see hobby horsing as a "trivialized" form of riding that trivializes genuine horsemanship. Critics argue that it could lead to a downplaying of real problems in equestrian sports, such as animal welfare issues and ethical riding practices.
-
Risk of injury : Although hobby horsing is less dangerous than real riding, there is still a risk of injury, especially in intensive competitions or when participants try to imitate difficult jumps or movements.
-
Commercialization : The trend has also developed a commercial side. There are now specialized manufacturers of hobby horses offering very high-quality models used in competitions. Some critics fear that this could jeopardize the original, more "spontaneous" nature of the trend.
Nevertheless, hobby horsing is a creative, inclusive, and fun trend that allows people to experience the joy of riding without owning a real horse. It combines exercise, imagination, and athleticism, and has established itself as a fascinating leisure activity, especially among young people. This trend demonstrates that riding is not just about horses, but also about community, creativity, and fun.
For us, of course, such an artificial horse is no substitute for a real horse that can be fed our delicious organic feed. The liveliness of a horse alone creates a different kind of joy than seeing a stuffed stick as a real horse.
