A Closer Look at the World of Hobby Horsing Competitions
Hobby Horsing competitions have been taking place across Europe for almost five years and have come a long way in that time. The level keeps rising, the organisation is becoming increasingly professional and the atmosphere today rivals many traditional sports. A Hobby Horsing competition is worth attending not just as a participant but as a spectator too, with sporting tension, emotions and energy at every turn. If you are planning to compete or are just considering it, here are the most important things to know about a competition day.
Sign-Up
Registration conditions vary depending on the organiser. In most cases you register on the day, shortly before the first discipline begins. At larger, professionally organised competitions there is often the option to sign up in advance through an online booking system. Online registration has clear advantages: you have more time to decide which disciplines you want to enter and the waiting time at check-in on competition day is significantly shorter.
Check-In
At every competition, checking in on site is required. The check-in desk is usually right at the entrance, well visible and easy to find so nobody misses it.
At check-in you give your name and select the disciplines you want to enter. From that moment on the organiser has you in the system, you can be added to the start lists and you can focus fully on the competition.
Check-in is usually open throughout the entire competition day. This means you can add more disciplines at any time, adjust your participation or simply ask for information. The check-in desk is often the best place to go to get a full picture of what is happening at the event.
Checked In – What Now?
After checking in there is some time to prepare. Use it to get changed, find a spot in the hall or on the grounds and start warming up. This includes getting the body moving, some light stretching and a few practice jumps, everything that helps you get ready to perform. We have put together some useful tips in our warm-up guide for Hobby Horse training.
Every competition has dedicated areas for this purpose. The main competition arena or track is closed in the morning while the surface is being prepared and the obstacles, cross-country course or dressage rectangle are set up. Only after that does the doorman take over, controlling access to the arena and letting competitors in for each discipline one by one.
Your start time is listed on the start sheet, which is usually displayed in a clearly visible spot. At larger competitions, apps are increasingly being used where start times are updated in real time.
Once you know your start time and you are ready, all that is left is to make your way to the starting area for your discipline. This information is also on the start sheet next to your name, for example as "Arena No. 3".
The Competition
The competition itself is over very quickly, usually just a few minutes, and in jumping disciplines only a matter of seconds. The commentator calls you to the start and the doorman lets you onto the arena. Judges are present throughout to ensure the run is fair and transparent. On a competition day you can enter multiple disciplines. If one run does not go to plan, there is no reason to give up, that is simply part of sport. The next run could be the best of your life, and training for exactly those moments is what it is all about.
The most common disciplines in Hobby Horsing are show jumping, dressage, puissance and western. For a full overview, check out our article on Hobby Horsing disciplines.
Prize Giving
At the end of the competition day, or after each series wraps up, the prize giving takes place. The winners of each discipline are announced ceremonially and presented with rosettes, trophies and small prizes, just like in equestrian sport. The winners then take their victory lap. It is a wonderful moment and absolutely worth staying for.
Our Recommendations
Even if many people do not see Hobby Horsing as a sport, we know that it is, and not a small one. We recommend following basic sporting principles, starting with suitable sportswear and good footwear. Clothing should fit close to the body so it does not catch on obstacles, and non-slip shoes with a firm sole are a must. Having spent years in this world ourselves, we developed a sportswear collection designed specifically for Hobby Horsing. You can find it in our online shop.
Where Do Competitions Take Place?
Competitions are held in almost every region today, you just have to look around. The winter and summer seasons have gradually merged into one, the only difference being whether the competition takes place indoors or outdoors. This means you can compete almost continuously throughout the year. To stay up to date with events, check with the clubs and associations organising competitions in your region.
And since we are LarDen, we of course want to mention our annual LarDen competition. It is a little different from other events, combining sporting competition with a real festive atmosphere for an unforgettable Hobby Horse celebration.
