Germany Hosts its First Hobby Horsing Championship
Germany is gearing up for its first-ever hobby horsing championship, set to take place in Frankfurt this weekend. The event is expected to draw in hundreds of young riders who will showcase their skills in time jumping, style jumping, and dressage on their wooden stick horses. With roughly 300 riders, mostly youngsters but also including about 20 adults, participating in the competition, the gymnasium where the event will be held is expected to be packed with 1,500 spectators eager to witness the action unfold.
A Growing Trend in Hobby Horsing Events
The hobby horsing championship in Germany is part of a larger trend of hobby horsing events gaining popularity internationally. Countries like the United States and Australia have also hosted their first championships this year, inspired by the grassroots movement that originated in Finland over 20 years ago. In Finland, riders began trotting their hobby horses through Nordic forests, and the pastime has since exploded in popularity, especially during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when social media played a significant role in promoting the sport.
Julia Mikkonen, the head of the Finnish Hobbyhorse Association, emphasized that hobby horsing combines Finnish handcrafting culture with elements of gymnastics and sport, making it a unique and engaging activity for enthusiasts. In Germany, the national hobby horsing association was established just a year ago with a mere 13 members. However, the sport has quickly gained traction, with over 5,000 active athletes and more than 200 clubs across the country.
Championing Female Empowerment and Inclusivity
Kay Schumann, the president of the German Hobby Horsing Association, expressed the importance of making the sport more popular and inclusive through initiatives like the championship. By offering a goal for hobby horsers to strive towards and compete against each other, the association aims to motivate athletes to improve their performance and showcase their skills on a larger stage.
While hobby horsing has been celebrated for promoting empowerment and acceptance among its participants, there have been critics who have raised concerns about the activity. Many riders have faced bullying and misogynistic comments online, while others argue that hobby horsing is not a legitimate sport. However, Mikkonen countered these criticisms by highlighting the athleticism, core strength, and stamina required for hobby horse riders to succeed, much like in traditional sports.
Competitors at the German championship will be judged on various factors, including precision, timing, and elegance in both style jumping and dressage contests. In dressage, officials will assess the rider’s posture, skills, and body positioning, looking for elements like elegant leg movements and varied speeds and gaits in their routine. Style jumpers will be evaluated on their posture, jumping technique, and ability to maintain a steady pace while navigating obstacles.
Schumann credited children and young riders with bringing hobby horsing to Germany through social media, where they shared videos and images of their performances and built a community around their shared interest. The sport quickly gained momentum and popularity, spreading like wildfire among enthusiasts of all ages.
Overall, the hobby horsing championship in Germany represents a significant milestone for the sport, showcasing the dedication and talent of its participants while promoting empowerment, inclusivity, and athleticism among its diverse community of riders. As the event unfolds in Frankfurt this weekend, spectators can expect to witness a display of skill, creativity, and passion from the next generation of hobby horse champions.