Hobby Horse Size XS – The Smallest LarDen Horse

Appearance

Our mini is a true scaled-down version of the classic LarDen horse. From the very beginning it was important to us to preserve all the realistic details, including the open mouth so the horse can easily be bridled.

We paid the greatest attention to appearance. The XS horses are crafted with so much detail that in a photo you often cannot even tell you are looking at a size XS.

Size

The head of the Hobby Horse in size XS is roughly the size of an A5 sheet of paper. That means a compact size that does not feel bulky and sits comfortably even in smaller hands. Thanks to its smaller dimensions the whole horse is lighter, something appreciated not only by children but also by athletes during more demanding performances.

Who is XS suitable for?
Size XS is ideal especially for:

• Children from around 3 years of age
• Smaller riders for whom larger horses do not fit proportionally
• Children who want a light horse for play and their first jumps

At the same time size XS is not just a "children's version". Athletes also reach for it regularly, especially those competing in higher courses above 80 cm or in Puissance. The reason is simple: the lower weight combined with a narrower and shorter stick means more control, faster movement and less strain during repeated jumps.

Light as a Feather – and Much More

All our XS horses weigh a maximum of 400 grams including the stick. They are genuinely light, and at first glance one might think that low weight is what makes a Hobby Horse great for sport.

But it is not quite that simple.

Lightness alone does not guarantee that a horse will feel good to run with, jump with or use for technical training. Far more important than the number on the scale is the right balance.

The secret is in the balance

A key role is played by the carefully considered weight distribution across the head, body and stick. If a Hobby Horse is not properly balanced it can tilt forward or to the side during sport, something you notice very quickly in a course or training session.

Finding the ideal ratio is not a matter of chance. It is the result of experience, testing and continuous fine-tuning of every detail.

One year of development and honest testing

We dedicated at least a year of intensive work to developing our XS horses. Several passionate Hobby Horsers were involved in the process, testing the horses long-term in real training and at competitions.

We refined every detail until we were confident that you are not just holding a light horse in your hands, but above all a perfectly balanced sport Hobby Horse.

Because it is exactly the balance that makes all the difference.

The Stick – Safety First

With all our horses in other sizes we use a two-part stick that makes transport easier. We tested this option for size XS as well, but in the end we made a different decision.

Why?

The XS horse is smaller and therefore needs a narrower and shorter stick so that the balance feels right and the grip stays comfortable. We spent a long time testing the ideal length, both with the youngest children and with experienced jumping riders. And we all came to the same conclusion.

The XS Hobby Horse is so compact that it fits easily into a backpack or bag. A removable stick is simply not necessary. On top of that, the stick's narrow diameter would not allow for a recessed thread connection. A protruding joint would get in the way when holding it and would reduce comfort during sport.

And most importantly, safety was our top priority. The XS horse is not only for experienced athletes at a high level but also for the very youngest riders. That is exactly why a solid, one-piece stick makes the most sense here.

Why Does XS Cost the Same as S, M and L?

Maybe your first thought was:
"Excuse me? It is such a tiny thing. Less material and still the same price? That does not seem fair."

We understand the question. At first glance it might seem illogical. But with size XS one thing is clear: smaller does not mean cheaper.

Less material, more work

Yes, there is a small saving on materials. But what is saved on fabric and filling shows itself many times over in the labour involved.

Working on an XS horse is significantly more demanding and more detailed. Everything is smaller, finer and more intricate. Every stitch, every fold and every piece of filling requires the highest precision. As a result, making a single XS horse can take up to twice as long as making a standard size.

The detail makes the difference

It might sound like a small thing, but correctly stuffing the tiny mouth and perfectly balancing the head is a real challenge on its own. At this size every gram counts. Even a small inaccuracy can mean the horse does not perform the way it should in sport.

And it is exactly these details that we care about most.

The price of an XS Hobby Horse reflects not the amount of material used, but the time, experience and careful handwork that goes into every little horse. 💛