June 29th 2024.
This week, Finland hosted the biggest competition known to date. However, much like the mixed opinions on the spreadable condiment Marmite, the sport of hobby horsing also divides the general public. It is a unique activity that one either embraces with passion or simply cannot understand.
Hobby horsing has gained popularity in Finland and has recently spread to other parts of the world. It involves riding a wooden stick, with one end decorated to resemble a pony's head. Riders showcase their skills by trotting, galloping, and cantering around a ring, and even leaping over jumps as high as three feet. Throughout the entire performance, they hold onto the reins of their plush horse, displaying their control and coordination.
This phenomenon has taken over the social media platform TikTok, increasing its reach and bringing in a new wave of participants. However, with the surge in popularity, many of these hobby horse enthusiasts have faced a barrage of negative comments and cyberbullying.
But what exactly is hobby horsing? Originating in Finland, it is a combination of sport and creative play that mimics traditional equestrian activities. It first caught the attention of the public through the 2017 Finnish movie, "Hobbyhorse Revolution." While not yet recognized as an official sport, it has gained a following among teenagers and young adults in their early 20s. And despite the lack of recognition, competitions are held, and there are even prizes for the winners.
In April, the British Show Pony Society announced plans to embrace the "hobby horse craze" by introducing a contest with a prize of £300 for the winners. Meanwhile, the current championship in Finland has attracted 260 riders from 22 countries, most of whom are young women and girls between the ages of 10 and 20. This year's event in the town of Seinajoki is the biggest one yet.
Despite its growing popularity, hobby horsing still faces criticism from those who do not take it seriously. Some dismiss it as a juvenile and frivolous activity due to the use of stick horses, which are often associated with children's play. Additionally, the fact that it is predominantly popular among teenage girls has led to gender bias and a lack of recognition as a legitimate sport.
This lack of recognition and respect has led to instances of bullying and judgement towards hobby horse enthusiasts. 24-year-old Nara Arlin, who has experienced this first-hand, believes that the shared experiences and struggles of the hobby horse community are what brings them together.
Contrary to popular belief, hobby horsing requires a great deal of athleticism and skill. Top competitors display impressive hip mobility and grace, and some obstacles can reach up to 110 centimeters tall. 20-year-old Mikkonen, a skilled rider, attests to the physical demands of the sport, stating that jumping over obstacles requires insane hip mobility.
A recent TikTok video captured the aftermath of a hobby horsing performance in a sports hall. The rider, Anna, is seen lying on the ground, completely out of breath and struggling to recover from her routine. She addresses the misconception that hobby horsing is an easy and childish game, stating that her body was in pain, and she was on the verge of passing out after her performance.
Despite the criticism and challenges faced by hobby horsing enthusiasts, the sport continues to grow and attract a dedicated following. And for those who embrace it, it is not just a hobby but a passion that requires hard work, dedication, and physical prowess.
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