Germany's Inaugural Hobby Horsing Championship Gallops into Frankfurt

This weekend, Frankfurt will witness an unusual equestrian event as Germany's inaugural hobby horsing championship takes center stage. Approximately 300 participants, predominantly young enthusiasts with a handful of adults, will showcase their skills in time jumping, style jumping, and dressage using wooden stick horses.

The championship, scheduled for September 14-15, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the German hobby horsing community. This event is part of a global trend, with the United States and Australia also hosting their first championships earlier this year.

Hobby horsing, a sport that combines elements of equestrian events with gymnastics and creativity, has its roots in Finland. The activity began over two decades ago, with enthusiasts prancing through Nordic forests on their handcrafted steeds. Social media played a crucial role in propelling the sport to international fame, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022.

Julia Mikkonen, head of the Finnish Hobbyhorse Association, emphasizes the sport's unique blend of Finnish handcrafting culture, gymnastics, and athletic prowess. Participants often create and decorate their own stick horses, adding a personal touch to their equipment.

The German hobby horsing scene has experienced exponential growth since the establishment of its national association in 2023. Kay Schumann, president of the German Hobby Horsing Association, notes that membership has surged from an initial 13 members to over 5,000 active athletes across more than 200 clubs nationwide.

"It was very important to us to set an example and make the sport more popular. With the championship, which will be held every year from now on, we offer a goal that motivates hobby horsers to improve their performance and compete against each other."

While the sport aims to promote empowerment and inclusivity, it has faced its share of criticism. Some detractors argue that hobby horsing doesn't qualify as a legitimate sport, while participants have encountered online bullying and misogynistic comments. However, supporters like Mikkonen counter these claims, asserting that hobby horse riders require athleticism, core strength, and endurance to excel.

The championship will evaluate competitors based on precision, timing, and elegance. Judges will assess factors such as posture, body positioning, and technical skills across various events. In dressage, riders must demonstrate elegant leg movements and varied gaits, while style jumpers are judged on their form, obstacle clearance, and landing technique.

As hobby horsing continues to gain traction globally, it has been recognized for its positive impact on participants' self-confidence and social skills. The sport's unique blend of physical activity, creativity, and community-building has attracted attention from major media outlets and even garnered support from some professional equestrians who view it as a potential gateway to traditional horseback riding.

With 1,500 spectators expected to attend the Frankfurt championship, hobby horsing is poised to make a lasting impression on the German sports landscape, challenging preconceptions and inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts.