Join the Spirit of Hobby Horse Riding
The US Hobby Horse Championships are coming back for their second year, and I couldn't be more excited to sponsor it here at Cloudberry Stables!
Now, some of you might be picturing kids playing in the backyard with their stick horses or hobby horses, and while that's where the fun often starts, this Championship a whole other level. I’m talking about serious (but seriously fun) competitions with jumps, dressage, and some very talented people showing off their skills with their amazing hobby horses.
For those new to this sport, hobby horse competitions are exactly what they sound like: a vibrant and athletic display of horsemanship, creativity, and pure joy, all performed with beautifully crafted hobby horses.
Get ready to witness some amazing equestrian feats as participants showcase their skills in disciplines like show jumping and dressage.
Wait, They Compete With Hobby Horses?! Prepare to Be Impressed!
So you might be thinking, "Hobby horse competitions? Seriously?" And yeah, I get it! On the surface, it might sound like a bit of fun and games. But make no mistake, this is a genuine sport!
Think of it as a unique form of athletics where individuals train and compete in equestrian disciplines – like the precision of dressage and the agility of show jumping – all while skillfully maneuvering handcrafted hobby horses.
It’s a great way for kids to get moving, work on balance, and learn how to follow fun patterns and courses as well as setting bigger goals with their horses. It's a fantastic blend of creativity, athleticism, and a deep passion for horsemanship, just in a wonderfully imaginative package. Curious to see what this sport is all about? Keep reading – you might just be surprised!
How The Real Story Behind Hobby Horse Competitions Started
Hobby horse competitions might seem like a new thing here in the US, it's actually been a real deal in Finland for a while now. It started out pretty casually in the early 2000s, just kids who loved horses making it their own thing with their stick horses and hobby horses. The hobby horse movement started to grow. These kids started getting serious, making up rules and practicing jumps and dressage, just like in real riding.
When I was young I had a stick horse also but it was nothing like the hobby horses today! I rode my stick horse that I had made out of an old sock.
Fast forward to the 2010s, and the hobby horse movement really took off. Loads of young people got into it, loving that they could be active and creative all at once.
Now, in Finland, they have proper competitions that look just like regular horse shows – they do show jumping, dressage and western riding. Their national championships are a big event every summer, with hundreds of people competing and even more coming to watch.
Finnish Hobbyhorse Championships in 2024 attracted over 1,900 visitors and participants from 21 different countries, making it a truly international event.
Get Ready to Gallop at The 2025 US Hobby Horse Championships
Mark your calendars for August 2nd, 2025, because that's the day the hobby horse community will be galloping into Almont, Michigan for a day filled with incredible talent and horsey fun.
Just like the established competitions in Finland, the US Championships will feature thrilling displays of skill in disciplines in these classes:
-Show Jumping that has 3 classes: 1 foot, 2 foot and 3 foot.
-Flat Class that is designed for new hobby horse riders and competitors who have never won a ribbon. Flat classes are in 3 groups: 10 and under, 11 & 12 and 13 and up.
-Hunter/Jumper class for Juniors and Seniors
-Dressage
-Western Trail
-Barrel Racing
-Puissance that starts at 2 feet.
Sounds like a lot of fun and excitement, right?
For those who might be thinking about joining the action in the future, registration for the 2025 event has now closed. This year saw an incredible amount of interest, with participants being selected by lottery for the jumping classes and through qualifying video entries for the dressage events.
The application window ran from February 15th to March 15th, so mark your calendars for around that time next year if you're hoping to compete!
What makes this event truly special is the amazing spirit of sportsmanship, creativity, and community that shines through. It's not just about the competition; it's about celebrating the passion for horses, the artistry in crafting these incredible hobby horse companions, and the joy of connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just curious to see what it's all about, the 2025 US Hobby Horse Championships in Almont, Michigan, promises to be a day you won't forget! You can find more details and updates on the official website: https://www.ushhchampionships.com/.
From My Workshop Here at Cloudberry Stables – I am Cheering on the Hobby Horse Competitors
At Cloudberry Stables, my passion isn't just about horses; but about creativity, dedication, and the joy of young (and old!) people getting together and having fun with their hobby horses and sharing their love for this hobby and sport. That's why I couldn't be more thrilled to be sponsoring the 2025 US Hobby Horse Championships!
While I won't be able to make it to Almont in person this year, we'll be cheering you all on from afar! I believe in supporting this incredible community and fostering the growth of hobby horse sports in the US. I'll be following all the action online and can't wait to see the amazing talent and passion on display. Good luck to all the competitors!
You are welcome to visit my store here! You can find hobby horses, tack such as halters, blankets, ear bonnets and bridles as well as horse and hobby horse related printable products at Cloudberry Stables.
I highly encourage you to follow the 2025 US Hobby Horse Championships online. Keep an eye on the official website https://www.ushhchampionships.com for updates, photos, or video highlights of the incredible performances. It's a fantastic way to witness the skill and passion of this unique sport from the comfort of your own home!
I am so excited!
I am so excited for this second Hobby Horse Championship event in 2025! Even though we'll be watching from a distance, I am cheering everyone on. It's just really cool to see how much people love this and how creative they get. Only the sky's the limit with what you can do! I especially love how people in the hobby horse community are open-minded, have respect for each other and support each other. What a wonderful way to bring forth the hobby horse movement!
So, what do you think? Are you getting into the hobby horse spirit? Maybe you've got a story of your own to share, or you're just excited to see what happens at the championships. Whatever it is, you are welcome to drop a comment below and let me know! We're all in on this and can't wait to see the amazing highlights.
Let's hear your cheers for the US Hobby Horse Championships and all the competitors! Let's build the hype and celebrate this fantastic event together! I can't wait to see all the amazing moments unfold in Almont!
Do you think we will see Hobby Horsing in the Olympics some day?
