How to Start Hobby Horsing

Hobby horsing is riding, athletics and imagination rolled into one. You run, jump and perform dressage tests with a hobby horse in your hands, and the sport has grown quickly across the UK.

What you actually need to begin

• A hobby horse you like the look of. Handmade horses from UK makers are popular, but a shop-bought horse is perfectly fine to start.
• Trainers with good grip. Most riders wear ordinary sports kit until they start competing.
• A flat, clear space — a garden, a hall, a quiet park corner.

You do not need jumps, a bridle set or competition clothing yet. Borrow or improvise while you find out which disciplines you enjoy. When you are ready to buy, the equipment checklist sets out what to get first and what can wait.

Your first few sessions

Start by simply walking, trotting and cantering in a straight line while keeping the horse steady and upright. The horse should stay beside you rather than swinging across your body. Then practise circles in both directions, and transitions between paces.

Ten focused minutes beats an hour of muddling about. Most riders find their rhythm within a fortnight, and our training ideas give simple drills for those first weeks.

Choosing a discipline

Dressage rewards accuracy, rhythm and presentation. Show jumping rewards speed, clean take-offs and control. Many riders do both, and cross country or working hunter classes appear at bigger shows.

Find people to ride with

Riding alone gets lonely. Look for a club in your county, or an upcoming event you could attend as a spectator first — watching a class is the fastest way to understand what judges are looking for.

A note for parents

Hobby horsing is low-cost, low-risk and largely self-paced. Check surfaces for trip hazards, keep sessions short for younger children, and let them set the pace. Competitions in the UK are usually informal, friendly and welcoming to complete beginners.