You may have heard children talking about hobby horses, and perhaps—like me—you thought: “Isn't it just a bit silly?” But did you know that hobby horse riding has actually become a sport, where kids and adults around the world participate in competitions, win ribbons, and train seriously?
This past weekend, something happened that made me see the hobby horse game with entirely new eyes. My friend's daughter participated in her very first hobby horse competition, and she came home with not just one ribbon—but a whole handful! She was so proud, and I must admit, I felt the same.
Last summer, I took my kids to a theme park, where one of the attractions was a hobby horse track, complete with a choice of hobby horses and many jumps at different levels. We laughed a bit at first, but of course, we had to try it. And even though I, as an adult, found it a bit odd—running around with a hobby horse between your legs, pretending to ride? I must admit we all had a blast. We worked up a sweat and had some great laughs.
It made me realize that hobby horses aren't just fun—they're active play and role play on a child-friendly level, strengthening both body and imagination.
Why are hobby horses so popular?
I asked myself that question until I saw the children in action. The answer is actually quite simple:
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Hobby horses make the joy of riding accessible—you don't need a real horse to feel like a true rider.
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Hobby horses provide plenty of exercise—kids jump, run, and perform dressage exercises while playing.
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It's role play at a child's level—the children care for, groom, and equip their horses with saddles, bridles, and ribbons.
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There is a strong community—many children meet for hobby horse competitions and train together, just like in other sports.
And perhaps most importantly: it's fun!
Hobby Horse - Where to Start?
If your child has become wild about hobby horses, it's quite easy to get started. You start simply! With a hobby horse. We recommend the popular hobby horses from By Astrup, which are Danish-designed. They are realistic, beautiful, and made in high quality—which makes the game extra fun from the beginning. We have several different versions, so you can easily choose just the horse in the edition and color you want.
Do You Need Equipment for Hobby Horses?
No, a hobby horse alone already provides many hours of play. But many children find it more fun when they have hobby horse equipment like saddles, halters, or a small grooming set. It makes the play more realistic and stimulates role play. We have many different products in hobby horse accessories that are great to have on the wish list for future use.
Can Children Join Hobby Horse Clubs as a Sport?
Yes! There are hobby horse clubs and competitions where children compete in jumping and dressage. It provides a community where they meet over their interest and get exercise at the same time.
Is It a Good Gift Idea?
Absolutely. A hobby horse is a perfect gift for boys and girls who love horses, play, and imagination. Many children even want more than one hobby horse so they can play with different “breeds” and make their own little stable. Both hobby horses and hobby horse equipment make great gifts.
Which Hobby Horse Should You Choose?
The fun part is that hobby horses come in many different varieties. With us, you can find, among other things:
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A black hobby horse—elegant and majestic, perfect for jumping.
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A brown or beige hobby horse—classic pony look, easy to care for.
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A white hobby horse with spots—magical and perfect for princess or Pippi Longstocking play.
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A sprinter—designed for speed and jumps, perfect for children who want to compete.
Additionally, you can find many other varieties of hobby horses in our shop. Choose, for example, one with a removable tail, or a Spirit or unicorn version.
Hobby Horse Equipment – Make Play Even More Fun
My friend's daughter already has a long wish list. At the top is an hobby horse jump, so she can create her own jumping course in the garden. She also wants a stall for hobby horses, so her hobby horse can be stabled when not in use.
Other favorites are:
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Saddles and bridles for hobby horses—for a realistic riding experience.
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Grooming sets for hobby horses—so the horse can be groomed after training.
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Ribbons and decorations—for what's a competition without prizes?
Of course, you can find all of this with us, so you and your child can easily create a whole little hobby horse world at home.
Is Hobby Horse Riding Right for Your Child?
If your child loves horses, animals, or good role play, the answer is almost always yes. Even if you—like me—initially think it seems a bit silly, you will quickly discover how much children get out of it. It's an active play that strengthens motor skills, fitness, and imagination—and it's a sport that can grow with the child.
Hobby Horses Aren't Silly—They're Brilliant!
I admit it: I am converted. Hobby horse riding is not just a trend—it's a fantastic combination of sport, imagination, and role play. It gives children exercise, joy, and lots of self-confidence.
And the best part? It doesn't require more than a hobby horse and a bit of space to get started. The rest—jumps, saddles, stalls—can come along the way.
So next time your child says: “Mom, I want a hobby horse”, you can smile and know that it's actually a great gift idea for your child, strengthening both their body, imagination, and turning good exercise into play.
