Germany’s inaugural hobby horsing championship kicked off in Frankfurt over the weekend, attracting around 300 participants, primarily youngsters, with a few adults also joining in. The competition features events such as time jumping, style jumping, and dressage, all performed on wooden stick horses in a gymnasium. With 1,500 spectators expected to attend, the sport has gained popularity internationally, with the United States and Australia hosting their first championships this year.
One of the competitors, Max Gohde, a 15-year-old from Gifhorn, Germany, who has been practicing hobby horsing since 2020, expressed how the activity boosts his self-confidence and allows him to enjoy it with others. The sport, originating from Finland more than 20 years ago, has gained momentum through social media during the pandemic, emphasizing female empowerment for its enthusiasts.
Andreas Karasek, from the German Hobby Horsing Association, highlighted the physically demanding nature of the sport, describing it as a blend of athletics and gymnastics that requires participants to be in good shape. Currently, Germany has approximately 5,000 active hobby horsers and 230 clubs, showcasing the increasing popularity of the pastime.
The championship aims to provide a platform for hobby horsers to showcase their skills and compete against each other, fostering a sense of togetherness among enthusiasts. Although critics have scrutinized the activity, claiming it is not a sport, proponents like Julia Mikkonen and Kay Schumann argue that hobby horse riders require athleticism, core strength, and endurance to excel.
With contests judging factors like precision, timing, and elegance, participants at the German championship will vie for the highest score in style and dressage competitions. Judges will assess elements such as posture, leg movements, and jumping technique to determine the winners. The sport has seen a rapid rise in Germany, with over 5,000 active athletes and 200 clubs established across the country since the national association was formed a year ago.
