This world has gone nuts! Hobby horse competitions..really?

[greybeard]

I never realized, thought or could have dreamed this could be a real thing...here in America?






Rules.Hobby horse competition rules


AI Overview
Hobby horse competitions are simulations of equestrian sports like show jumping and dressage, using toy horses on sticks. Participants mimic the movements and technicality of real horseback riding, with judges scoring based on their technique, style, and overall performance. Competitions often include jump courses, dressage routines, and freestyle performances.

Key Rules and Aspects:

• Hobby Horse:
  Competitors must have a hobby horse (stick horse) and be mounted as they compete.
  
  
• Dressage:
  Dressage competitions mimic the movements and style of traditional dressage, with judges evaluating the rider's posture, balance, and the horse's movements.
  
  
• Show Jumping:
  Riders navigate courses of jumps with their hobby horses, with penalties for knocked-down rails or refusals.
  
  
• Dress and Equipment:
  Riders typically wear shoes and appropriate attire, with helmets recommended but not always required for jumping. Hobby horses may have bridles, though requirements vary by level.
  
  
• Judging:
  Judges assess participants based on technique, execution, style, and overall performance. Scoring systems can vary, with points awarded for various elements like aesthetics, style, and performance.
  
  
• Disqualification:
  Various actions can lead to disqualification, including excessive faults, going off course, or being out of time.
  
  
• Age Divisions:
  Competitions often have divisions based on age, such as Super-Mini, Mini, Junior, and Senior classes.
  
  
  
  

 

[Mark Reynolds]

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

 

[GoWyo]

Well the upside is a whole lot less feed, equipment, vehicles, vet and farrier costs . . . and probably won't fall off.

 

[simme]

Wonder if they need a coggins test for the competition.

 

[Travlr]

The Japanese have had some pretty weird ideas for public consumption. This might even be a little weird for them...

 

[Silver]

Well, is it any worse than air guitar competition?

 

[WFfarm]

If you break the stick do they have to put the Hobby Horse down?

 

[greybeard]

Some of them look like the stick is already broke.....it's a bit short from what I remember seeing them when my grankids were young..

 

[TexasJerseyMilker]

One of the most ridiculous things I have ever seen.

 

[CowboyRam]

I think in order to do it you have to be a half bubble off, or gay. Maybe even both.

 

[TexasJerseyMilker]

When I was 18 I was riding a real horse over mountains in storms at night.

 

[Ouachita]

Our town celebrates "Lum and Abner Days" every June (radio personalities from the 1930s/40s).
When I was kid, the husbands would enter their wives in a broom riding contest. Kinda reminds me of this.
The wives would enter their husbands in a contest to see which one could catch and put a sock on a rooster.

 

[SmokinM]

Don't judge me it is the only time I get to wear my chaps and cowboy hat and show everybody I am a top hand.

 

[farmerjan]

I think it is kinda funny... BUT.... for a girl that has that typical "teenage girl love affair" with horses, it is an "out".... Especially for the ones that are in cities with no possibility of having a horse to ride, or even the access to real live horses...
One thing about it... it is a good way to encourage excercise.....

Hey they are not in the back of a car making out or getting pregnant at 14 if they are actively pursuing this... I can think of worse things...

 

[SBMF 2015]

Well the upside is a whole lot less feed, equipment, vehicles, vet and farrier costs . . . and probably won't fall off.

I don't know. I got on a really rank hobby horse when I was 4-5. I ended cracking my right elbow so hard that my funny bone has never twinged again.

 

[GoWyo]

I don't know. I got on a really rank hobby horse when I was 4-5. I ended cracking my right elbow so hard that my funny bone has never twinged again.

Haha - Did you get bucked off or just ride him right into the ground and go down with him?

 

[sunnyblueskies]

And when you get too old for the jumping you can go to this......... the world is insane.

 

[Dave]

Most of the kids here are riding a real horse by the time they are 4. Roping at brandings by 8. And are pretty good hands by 10.

 

[cowman82]

clown world.

this is what happens when strangers and tech raise your kids.

 

[SBMF 2015]

Haha - Did you get bucked off or just ride him right into the ground and go down with him?

I was spurring hard and starting to come off the left side. He ducked his head and the end of the stick caught me square in the elbow.