Czech Championship, 7 June 2025 in Brno
Not even six hours have passed since the competition ended, and we’re already sitting down to write this blog. We are full of impressions, emotions and experiences we do not want to forget. The Czech Championship is one of the biggest events of the season every year – and for every athlete, it is an exceptional day.
It is the day when the best have the chance to test themselves against the best, reflect on a whole year of effort, and symbolically close another sporting season. A season they spent many long months preparing for – not only physically, but mentally too. Behind every performance are thousands of hours of training, planning and sacrifice.
And the championship is precisely the moment when everyone who loves this sport comes together in one place – competitors, coaches, parents, fans, and also those who support Hobby Horsing behind the scenes. It creates a powerful atmosphere that cannot truly be described – only experienced.
More Than Just Numbers
The biggest competition of the season also brings impressive numbers. Over the course of a single – and truly long – day, an incredible 400 riders made more than 1,750 starts. The competition took place in two sports halls connected by a doorway, allowing riders to move comfortably between the different competition areas.
The entire competition day took place across six spacious arenas. There were also two warm-up areas where riders could warm up properly and prepare – and, of course, there were plenty of practice jumps for everyone.
Two judges worked in each arena, ensuring that the competitions were run correctly and fairly. Smooth entry to the start was managed by gate stewards – their job was to organise the riders so that everyone could start as comfortably and safely as possible.
A team of smiling and helpful staff made sure the whole day ran flawlessly, including the demanding, fast-paced morning check-in at registration. They were ready to help at any time and with anything. Thanks to them too, the competition ran smoothly and in a friendly atmosphere.
Accompanying Programme
The accompanying programme was planned not only for the audience, but also for riders during the times when they were not competing – and this year’s programme was truly worth it! One of the biggest attractions was the magic mirror photo booth set up right on the arena floor. We may not even realise it, but it was busy all day. For a moment, the riders could put their nerves aside and simply enjoy themselves. The result was lots of cheerful videos that will stay on their phones as lovely memories of the day.
There was also a varied shopping zone on both the ground floor and the first floor. Stands selling Hobby Horsing gear and books offered a really wide selection. Another great new feature was the chance to buy professional photographs and souvenirs on the spot. At times, the upper gallery looked almost like a computer lab – riders were enthusiastically browsing through photos, discussing jumping technique and choosing the best shots. Photos often reveal details you may not even notice during training.
The afternoon then belonged to special guests. Well-known faces from the Hobby Horsing world – influencers – took their seats on the first floor to greet fans, sign autographs, take photos and exchange a few kind words. For many young riders, it was a moment they will surely remember.
We almost forgot the raffle – there were some truly big prizes up for grabs, such as a Hobby Horse, obstacles, sportswear, event tickets and books. The lucky winners were delighted.
Through Slightly Different Eyes
Although Hobby Horsing is sometimes met with a lack of understanding, it is wonderful to see that young riders are not discouraged by it. They often face real challenges, which makes them all the more admirable.
The support of parents also plays a huge role, as they stand by them throughout the year. Without them, it simply would not work – they provide the support behind the scenes, help at competitions, assist with preparation, and are there when things go well and when they do not. Their support, whether emotional or financial, is visible everywhere here.
Whatever anyone may say – at this level, Hobby Horsing has long since stopped being just a “game”. It is a legitimate sport that requires diligence, discipline and enormous dedication.
At this year’s championship, that was clear to see – moved parents, happy children, an atmosphere full of emotion. And that is exactly what makes this sport so special.
Disciplines
The championship was held in the traditional main disciplines – show jumping, dressage, western, puissance (high jump) and cross-country. Each discipline was divided according to age categories or more detailed performance levels. Only nominated riders who had placed in at least one of the 26 qualifying rounds during the season were allowed to enter the main competitions.
For those who, for various reasons, could not take part in the qualifiers – for example because they lived too far away, were from abroad, or simply wanted to compete – OPEN competition classes were available. These categories made it possible for a wider range of participants to compete and contributed to greater international as well as domestic participation.
Winners and Prizes
Everyone who takes part in the Czech Championship dreams of victory and wants to come away with beautiful memories of these moments. That is why the finest prizes are reserved for the best – in Hobby Horsing, these are trophies, rosettes and medals. Every year we can look forward to a new design, and this year’s was truly stunning. The Czech colours decorated large, elegant rosettes that underlined the festive atmosphere.
Those who succeeded during the competition and won the title of Champion also received, as a special reward, a saddle pad embroidered with “Czech Champion 2025” for their Hobby Horse. The Hobby Horses looked truly beautiful in this accessory.
Clubs
It was truly wonderful to watch how quickly Hobby Horsing is growing and developing. Since last year, many new clubs and associations have appeared, and this was clearly visible at the competition venue. Athletes and their coaches wore colourful T-shirts with the names of individual clubs, creating a lively, vibrant mosaic. The whole hall looked like a painter’s palette playing with every colour.
During the awards ceremony, it was lovely to see who was competing for which club, and at the same time it was moving to witness the friendly and supportive relationships between riders across the clubs.
Over the course of the day, we counted at least twenty of them.
This year’s championship season flew by, and now we all have some well-deserved rest ahead of us as we recharge our batteries. Of course, the athletes will not ease up and will keep training hard, and we will continue supporting Hobby Horsing in every way we can.
A big thank you for helping develop this sport goes to the organisers of the Czech Championship and the entire team of the Czech Hobby Horsing Association.
