Hobby horsing all started in Finland and has grown in recent years into a serious sport that attracts a wide audience, regardless of age. What once seemed like a child’s game with a hobby horse has now become a real sport with international competitions, dedicated hobby horse events, and enthusiastic participants in various European countries.

The Origins of Hobby Horsing

At first, hobby horsing was mainly seen as a fun pastime for children and teenagers—especially girls—who love horses but didn’t (yet) have their own horse or access to real riding lessons. With their own hobby and their own hobby horse, they can express their passion for equestrian sports in a creative and active way. Due to its growing popularity, dedicated competitions—and even a “hobby horse revolution”—soon emerged.

Horseback Riding as a Sport or Hobby

Hobby horsing is relatively easy to get started with, but it does require technical skills, coordination, endurance, and physical movement. The disciplines practiced are very similar to those in equestrian sports: dressage, jumping over obstacles, and completing courses with natural obstacles and hurdles. Participants—often young people, but increasingly adults as well—practice regularly and improve their technique and skills.

The Positive Effects of Hobby Horses

Hobby horsing has a positive effect on the body and mind. The movement and exercises strengthen motor skills and coordination, which are also beneficial in gymnastics and other sports. In addition, it stimulates participants’ imagination and creativity. Through social media, practitioners share their passion, jumps, and creative courses, which contributes to the growth of this trend.

Hobby Horse in the Netherlands and Other Countries

In the Netherlands, the hobby horsing community is growing rapidly. Across the country, more and more participants are taking part in competitions and events, ranging from local to international levels. Boys are also increasingly discovering the joy of this sport, which is slowly changing the stereotype that it’s a “girls’ sport.” Schools see the accessibility of hobby horsing as an opportunity to combine physical activity and imagination in gym class or after-school activities.

The Future of Hobby Horsing

With the number of participants growing every year and its positive impact on health and social interaction, hobby horsing is poised for a bright future. It’s not just a sport, but also a passion that brings people of all ages together. Whether you’re jumping over natural obstacles, performing dressage exercises, or simply having fun with your own hobby horse, hobby horsing strengthens both body and mind in an accessible and enjoyable way.

Be sure to check out our alternative to hobby horsing, too

Animal Riding also offers ride-on toys, such as a toy horse on wheels. While you can’t jump over obstacles with it, you can sit on it and move it yourself without batteries. Of course, we also have other animals for the true adventurer, such as a unicorn on wheels or, for example, a moving toy tiger.