On the hobby horse trail

HOBBY Horses returned to Moreton Bay on Sunday, April 6, as riders from across Australia flocked to the Morayfield Sport and Events Centre to compete in the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic.

From jumping to dressage to western and gymkhana, competitors of all ages and experiences joined the fun, with several spectators also having the opportunity to gallop through a course.
The event also saw a herd of nearly 80 hobby horses attend, including competitors and the public.
Peter flew in from Sydney on Saturday to bring his two daughters, Teresa and Gabrielle, to the competition, as they always were upset they couldn’t participate in the European events, which are much bigger.
“In Europe it’s pretty famous and their friends there were doing it, so they started to train and it’s what they love,” he said.
“One of their friends won a competition in the Czech Republic so I promised them I would bring them to a competition in Australia, and that’s why we’re here.
“It’s pretty incredible actually. You don’t realise how athletic it actually is but they are jumping 60cm obstacle courses, with some jumping over a metre.”
Both his daughters trained for over six months for the Hobby Horse Holiday Classic.
Friends Symone, Emma and Almaryse, all in their late 40s and early 50s, joined together from Gympie, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast just for the event, with Symone even participating in the ‘Come and Try’ part of the event.
“We’ve been interested in it since it became a thing a few years ago and didn’t realise it was being done here, in Australia,” Almaryse said.
“It’s great coming in and other kids and adults come along and are in character and it just allows you to be creative,” Emma said.
“I just love the imagination of it. You get to play pretend, while being athletic and you can decorate your hobby horse, so for me it’s just great fun and I want to compete in the future,” Symone said.
Congrats to all riders!