Growing Popularity of Hobby Horsing in Europe
Hobby Horsing has evolved into a fascinating sport that blends creativity with physical activity in a fun and imaginative way. Originally from Finland, this phenomenon is winning hearts all over Europe thanks to its accessibility and high entertainment value.
One of the biggest benefits of Hobby Horsing is how it helps improve coordination and balance. Participants can design and craft their own horses and take part in competitions — a creative activity that also fosters teamwork and community spirit.
A Look Back in History
The first references to hobby horses — once one of the most beloved children’s toys — date back to the Middle Ages. Horse heads mounted on wooden sticks were crafted from a variety of available materials and often carefully decorated to resemble real horses. The toy was popular among both common families and the aristocracy, and historical paintings from the 16th century still show children joyfully playing with their stick horses.
Over time, natural materials were replaced by modern synthetics, and hobby horses gradually moved into mass production. Their popularity fluctuated from one country to another, but handmade, one-of-a-kind creations crafted at home remained a cherished tradition.
Finland – The Pioneer of Modern Hobby Horsing
A major turning point came in 2015, when the first modern stick horses — now called Hobby Horses — appeared in Finland. They were crafted by enthusiasts from synthetic materials, while the classic wooden stick remained unchanged. Bright colors and various dyeing techniques were used to give them a more realistic appearance. This wave of creativity soon led to the formation of a passionate community that would shape the modern Hobby Horsing movement.
In 2017, Finnish filmmaker Selma Vilhunen brought the movement to a wider audience with her award-winning documentary Hobbyhorse Revolution. The film follows the stories of three young girls — Aiska, Elsa, and Alisa — whose lives were profoundly transformed by this unusual hobby. It was honored with the Grand Prize by the Finnish Cultural Foundation for its significant cultural contribution.
A Time of Change
Around 2020, during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, society experienced a profound shift. While lockdowns meant isolation and restrictions for many, Hobby Horsing saw a remarkable surge in popularity. Children spending more time at home and online gradually discovered the charm of this unique pastime.
Free templates and DIY instructions for making Hobby Horses began appearing online, sparking a wave of tutorials and creative videos. The trend grew particularly strong in countries like the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Slovakia. Soon after, other nations such as Austria, Hungary, Italy, France — and eventually almost all of Europe — joined in.
When public restrictions were lifted in 2022, cultural and sporting events returned — and with them came a growing number of Hobby Horsing competitions, which quickly spread from major cities to small towns and villages.
A Modern Form of Fun
As the movement grew, the fastest-developing countries began introducing standardized rules. Because, as with any sport, transparency and comparability of performance are essential. While competitions previously followed national guidelines, today — in 2025 — a unified European standard exists, giving the sport a new level of professionalism.
In the creative side of Hobby Horsing, however, there are no rules at all. Imagination is the only limit. Horses continue to evolve — they can be colorful, fantastical, or uniquely shaped. Whatever the variation, Hobby Horsing is always about fun, creativity, and joy.
Conclusion
It seems that Hobby Horsing is here to stay, whether as a playful toy or a fully recognized sport. After all, it has already endured for centuries.
Sometimes we can’t help but smile when imagining what a Hobby Horse might look like 200 years from now. What innovations could still be added? Perhaps a smart app that tracks jumps or responds to voice commands. Who knows? We may never find out — and so our futuristic Hobby Horse remains a product of imagination, right where it all began.
