The first hobby horsing championship in Germany will take place in Frankfurt this weekend, featuring young riders competing in various events on their wooden stick horses. The competition is expected to have roughly 300 participants, with about 20 adults and 1,500 spectators. Hobby horsing events are becoming more popular internationally, with the United States and Australia also hosting their first championships this year.
The origins of these events can be traced back to Finland, where riders started trotting their hobby horses through forests over 20 years ago. The hobby has gained popularity through social media during the pandemic, especially for highlighting female empowerment. In Germany, the national hobby horsing association has grown from 13 members to over 5,000 active athletes and 200 clubs in just a year.
Kay Schumann, president of the German Hobby Horsing Association, emphasized the importance of setting a positive example and making the sport more popular through annual championships. While critics argue that hobby horsing is not a sport, enthusiasts like Julia Mikkonen point out that riders need athleticism, core strength, and stamina to succeed.
Competitors in Germany will be judged on precision, timing, and elegance, with factors like posture, skills, and body positioning being crucial for success. Style jumpers will also be evaluated on posture, jumping technique, and maintaining a steady pace. Schumann highlighted how children and young riders in Germany have embraced hobby horsing through social media, building a strong community around their shared interest.