Bestsellers
Hobby Horses | Emmers Equestrian
Hobby horses have come a long way from the wooden stick in the corner of the playroom. What began as a toy horse has grown into a sport of its own, with riders schooling their horses through jumping courses and dressage tests, and into a way for young equestrians to keep riding long after they've come in from the yard. At Emmers Equestrian, you'll find hobby horses for sale from brands including LeMieux, By Astrup, Cheval Roi and Cavalleria Toscana - chosen with the same eye for quality and finish we bring to the rest of our collection.
A good hobby horse is one that stands up to being ridden. Sturdy stitching, a well-shaped head and a stick that holds together through a full course of fences make the difference between a stick horse that lasts a season and one that gets handed down. The horses in our range are made to be used rather than to sit on a shelf, whether that means a first pony for a small rider or a horse that can handle serious hobby horse jumping.
Half the fun is in the kit. Hobby horse tack like bridles, flyveil, brush kit and halters turns a hobby horse into a proper stable of one, and there's real pleasure in matching your horse's equipment to your own: the same colours, the same brands, the same care taken over a set. It's how a lot of young riders learn to look after their equipment long before they have a horse of their own to keep clean.
Because we're an equestrian shop rather than a toy shop, we choose hobby horses with a rider's eye: correct proportions, tack that mirrors the real thing and materials that stand up to daily use. The collection is expanded regularly, so it's worth checking back as new horses, colours and accessories arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hobby Horses
What is a hobby horse?
A hobby horse is a horse's head mounted on a stick, ridden by holding the stick between the legs. Also known as a stick horse or toy horse, most have a stuffed fabric head with a mane, and many come with a bridle and reins so they can be tacked up like a real horse. They're used for play, for imaginative riding at home, and increasingly as a sport in their own right.
Is hobby horsing a real sport?
Yes. Riders compete in dressage tests and jumping courses on a hobby horse, judged on much the same criteria they would be on a real horse: rhythm, accuracy, technique over a fence. It started in Finland in the early 2000s and now has organised clubs, competitions and training across Europe. It's also physically demanding as the rider does all the jumping and closer to gymnastics than to play once you reach competition level.
Can you jump with a hobby horse?
Yes, and it's the most popular part of the sport. Riders take on adjustable fences much as they would a real course, and dedicated hobby horse jumps are made for exactly that. A horse used for jumping needs a well-made stick and a securely attached head, since it takes far more wear than one used only for walking and trotting. It's also genuinely athletic, the rider is the one clearing the fences.
What tack do you need for a hobby horse?
A bridle and reins are the essentials, and most hobby horses either come with one or can be fitted with one. Beyond that you'll find halters, flyveils, brusking kits and even fly masks made in hobby horse size, with several brands producing miniature versions of their real equestrian kit. Fit varies between brands, so check the sizing if you're buying tack for a horse from a different maker.
Is a hobby horse a good gift?
It's one of the most reliable gifts in the equestrian world. A hobby horse gives a child something to ride between lessons, teaches grooming and tacking up on a small scale, and costs a fraction of anything else in the sport. For a child who lives and breathes horses but doesn't have one of their own, it fills a real gap.
What is the point of a hobby horse?
For most riders, it's a way to be around horses when you can't be on one. Not everyone has a horse, and even those who do can only ride so often. A hobby horse fills the gap: you can school, jump, groom and tack up at home, practise your position and courses, and keep the connection to the sport going between lessons. For some it stays play, for others it becomes serious competition, both are a good enough reason.
What is the best age for a hobby horse?
Most hobby horses are aimed at children from around three upward, with the simplest, softest models suiting the youngest riders. Between roughly six and fourteen is where the sport side really takes hold, jumping, courses, competing. But there's no upper limit: plenty of teenagers compete seriously and plenty of adults keep one for the enjoyment. Check the age guidance on the individual product, as it varies by model and brand.
How do I clean a hobby horse?
Spot clean with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, working with the pile of the fabric rather than against it, then let it air dry away from direct heat. Most hobby horses shouldn't go in the washing machine, as it can loosen the join between head and stick and flatten the stuffing. Remove the bridle first, and check the care instructions on the individual product.