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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Hobbyhorcing (from the English "hobby horse" - toy horse) is a type of sports activity that is becoming more and more popular among young people, especially in Europe and the USA. At first glance, hobbyhorcing looks like a game: participants imitate riding on toy horses - sticks with attached horse heads. However, this activity combines elements of real equestrian sports such as show jumping (overcoming obstacles) and dressage (performing figure riding).
How did hobbyhorcing come about?
Hobbyhorsing first became popular in Finland in the early 2010s. At first it was just a hobby for teenagers who could not do real horse riding. Over time, this hobby became a whole movement, the competition took on a more serious look, and even coaches appeared who develop special programs to improve skills. Through social media, hobbyhorcing has spread to various countries, attracting the attention of not only teenagers but also adults.
Rules and features
Hobihorsing is divided into several types, the main of which are:
- Competition - jumping over obstacles. Participants have to perform jumps in the correct order, avoiding stops and falls.
- Dressage - figure riding demonstration. This type requires high accuracy and coordination, because each movement is performed with a certain technique that imitates the actions of a real rider and horse.
Hobbyhorse competitions are similar to equestrian competitions and are held in large halls or open areas. Participants dress in special sports clothes, and judges evaluate the technique, artistry and accuracy of performance.
Why has hobbyhorcing become so popular?
- Availability. Unlike real horse riding, hobby horsing does not require large costs. A horse replaces a toy that can be made by yourself or purchased at a reasonable price.
- Social component. Many teenagers find in hobby horsing an opportunity to express themselves, communicate with like-minded people and feel supported. There are many groups and pages in social networks where participants share achievements, videos from competitions and training.
- Creativity and self-expression. Hobbyhorcing allows you to show creativity not only through movements, but also through the appearance of the "horse" - many participants make their own toy horses, adding special details.
- Physical development. Although this is not a real sport, hobby horsing requires physical effort. Running, jumping, maintaining balance - all this contributes to the development of physical form.
What do the competitions look like?
Today, there are many hobby horsing competitions, particularly at the international level. Some of them are even broadcast online and attract thousands of viewers. Judges evaluate technique, expressiveness, creativity and speed. The largest competitions take place in Finland, where hundreds of participants of various ages and levels of training are gathered.
Is there a future in hobbyhorcing?
Hobbyhorcing has already acquired the status of a real sport and has a chance for further development. There is a possibility that official federations and professional clubs will eventually emerge, as this type of activity attracts more and more people from different parts of the world.
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