More than just a stick horse
Hobby horsing
Hobby horsing is the sport with the hobby horse: dressage in the arena, show jumping courses and caring for your own hobby horse. The idea comes from Finland and has spread to Germany and elsewhere via social media and clubs. Here you can find out what hobby horsing is, who it is suitable for and what to look out for when getting started. You will find hobby horses and accessories to buy in the Hobby horse category.
Sport or hobby?
Where does hobby horsing come from?
Hobby horsing comes from Finland. There, from the early 2000s, young people turned playing with hobby horses into a hobby of its own: they made their hobby horses themselves and developed dressage tests and show jumping courses. Competitions take place locally and nationally; via social media, "riding" with the hobby horse has spread internationally. The focus is on dressage and jumping in the arena. In Germany, too, more and more clubs offer hobby horsing. In September 2023, the Deutscher Hobby Horsing Verband e.V. (German Hobby Horsing Association) was founded and has published its own rules for dressage and jumping. Today, hobby horsing is a growing recreational sport alongside classic riding.
Play & sport
What do you do in hobby horsing?
Training and competitions include classic dressage in the arena (also in several gaits), show jumping courses with obstacles of different heights, and caring for and "grooming" the hobby horses. There is also play and practising together with friends. Many groups train outdoors – arena figures, spacing and handling the equipment are practised much like in riding lessons, just with the hobby horse.
Inclusive
Who is hobby horsing suitable for?
The sport is deliberately inclusive: age does not matter, even though many active fans are young. With support, people with physical or intellectual disabilities can take part. Language and background barriers are low because getting started is playful and a lot happens by demonstrating and joining in. Anyone who wants to ride "real" horses later or at the same time often already learns arena figures, concentration and a sense of responsibility for "their" horse.
Training with fun
What are the benefits of training?
Hobby horsing involves a lot of movement: endurance, balance, body awareness and coordination are all challenged. In a group you practise teamwork and communication; making and caring for the hobby horse also trains dexterity and creativity. Young people come into contact with equestrian sport in a playful way. It does not replace riding lessons – it is a sport and hobby with a hobby horse.
Getting started: what do you need?
To start, a suitable hobby horse, comfortable sportswear and a safe place to practise (indoor arena, outdoor arena or an agreed area) are enough. For competitions and nice photos, mini bridles, headcollars, fly veils or rugs are often added – all in mini format for the hobby horse. Whether an item is intended as a starter set or a single item is stated in the title and description.
Buy hobby horses and read more
The range and filters (product type, manufacturer) are in the Hobby horse category. There you will find hobby horses and accessories from brands such as LeMieux and other manufacturers in the listing. Small gift ideas on the topic: Gifts. If you fill advent calendar doors yourself: Advent calendar for riders.
A sport with the hobby horse from Finland: dressage, jumping and caring for the hobby horse – often in clubs and at competitions.
For children, teenagers and adults who enjoy exercise and horses. With support, getting started is possible inclusively.
No. You train with the hobby horse. Many do hobby horsing alongside riding or as a way into equestrian sport.
A suitable hobby horse, sportswear and a safe place to practise. You can add accessories such as a mini bridle or rug later.
In the Hobby horse category – there you can filter by product type and manufacturer.
Yes. The Deutscher Hobby Horsing Verband e.V. was founded in September 2023 and has its own rules for dressage and jumping. You can find current dates from the association and from local clubs.