Hobby Horsing USA
History of Hobby Horses
A Time-Honored Tradition: The History of Hobby Horses
Hobby horse riding, or hobby horsing, has been a beloved children’s activity for centuries, fostering movement, imagination, and play. The earliest depictions of hobby horses date back to 16th-century paintings, illustrating their long-standing cultural significance.
One of the most famous historical references appears in Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes, where hobby horses have been celebrated in stories and songs for over 100 years. Additionally, hobby horses were once a staple in traveling plays and performances across Europe, Asia, and North America, further showcasing their deep-rooted presence in global traditions.
The Evolution of Hobby Horsing in Modern Competitions
Today, Finland leads the way in hobby horsing, hosting major events that attract participants, with custom hobby horses, from across Europe. Watch YouTube demonstration. Enthusiasts take hobby horsing to the next level by:
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- Creating custom hobby horses and naming them like racehorses.
- Choreographing hobby horse dances to music.
- Participating in dressage demonstrations judged on skill and form.
Hobby horsing competitions are growing rapidly in both Europe and the United States, with state and national events showcasing skills in dressage, freestyle routines, and obstacle courses.
Hobby Horsing USA:
Bringing Hobby Horse PE Programs to Schools
At Hobby Horsing USA, we integrate hobby horsing into elementary PE programs to promote locomotor skill development, dance, and creativity. See our Program Information. Our program encourages students to explore:
✅ Locomotor skills through movement-based games
✅ Creative expression with choreographed routines
✅ Fun and competitive events, from dressage to rodeo challenges
Affordable Hobby Horse Programs for Schools
We make it easy and affordable for schools to bring hobby horsing into their PE curriculum with flexible pricing options:
Program-Only Package: Includes teacher manuals, MP3 files, instructional videos, pool noodle hobby horse building guides, and printable resources—without requiring the purchase of hobby horses.
Standard Hobby Horse & Program Bundle: Get our full program plus cost-effective collections of 12, 24, 36 and more standard hobby horses.
Premier Hobby Horse & Program Bundle: Includes the entire program with a collection of 12, 24, 36 and more high-quality, durable, and adjustable hobby horses.
💡 Ready to introduce hobby horsing to your students?
Browse our Program.