Hobby horsing is much more than just a leisure activity—it’s also a great way to stay active and enjoy exercise. Whether you’re planning to compete in a competition or simply want to improve your skills, targeted exercises and techniques are key to taking you and your hobby horse to the next level. In this article, you’ll learn how to effectively train with your hobby horse to improve your dexterity, stamina, and technique.
1. Why regular training is important
Even though your hobby horse doesn’t require feeding or care like a real horse, it still requires just as much attention in terms of training and care. Regular exercise will not only help you improve your fitness but also make you a better hobby horse rider. Through training, you’ll increase your endurance, coordination, and body control. Regular practice with your hobby horse can also boost your confidence, especially if you plan to compete in competitions.
2. Basic Techniques for Hobby Horse Beginners
If you’re new to the hobby of horsing, you should start with the basic techniques. These exercises will prepare you for more challenging movements and improve your balance and control of the hobby horse.
a) The correct posture
Before attempting complicated jumps or courses, it’s important to practice proper posture. Always hold your hobby horse firmly with one hand on the handle (the „reins“) and stand upright. Your shoulders should be relaxed but straight, and your legs should be slightly bent to control the movements. Practice moving at different speeds while maintaining this posture to develop stability.
b) Walk and trot
Start with simple gaits like the walk and trot. Start slowly and gradually increase your pace until you reach the trot. The trot is a fast walking technique where you walk with a slight bounce on the balls of your feet. Make sure you maintain control of your Hobby Horse and keep your pace constant. This exercise improves your coordination and balance.
c) Twists and turns
To guide your hobby horse safely through a course, you need to practice tight turns and turns. Set up cones or other obstacles and practice navigating them in tight circles. You should learn to control your body during turns by tilting your upper body slightly to the side and shifting your weight onto your inside leg. This technique is especially important for challenging courses.
3. Advanced Hobby Horse Exercises
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, you can move on to more challenging exercises. These will help you improve your jumping technique and prepare for competitions.
a) Jumps over obstacles
Jumping is one of the most exciting aspects of hobby horsing. To improve your jumping technique, set up simple obstacles like low poles or small hurdles. Start with low jumps and gradually increase the height as you feel more confident. Make sure to bend your legs slightly before the jump and lean forward during the takeoff to gain momentum. Pull your hobby horse over the obstacle as if it were jumping, and land gently on its feet, cushioning its weight slightly.
b) Combination of canter and jump
You don’t need real horse hooves to practice the canter. Imitate the canter by alternating powerfully from your feet to the left and right, leaning slightly forward. Once you’ve mastered the canter, you can begin to incorporate jumps into your movement. Run toward the obstacle in a canter-like rhythm and jump over it without losing your speed. This exercise will help you perfect the rhythm and timing of your jumping.
c) Obstacle course
Create a course with various obstacles and practice stations where you combine jumps, turns, and sprints. This not only trains your stamina but also challenges your skill and coordination. Such courses are great preparation for competitions, as they require the interplay of multiple techniques.
4. Exercises for fitness and endurance
In addition to technique, endurance is also important for success in hobby horse competitions. Here are some exercises that will improve your stamina and help you last longer.
a) Endurance running
Run a specific distance with your hobby horse at a steady pace. Start with short distances and gradually increase them as your fitness improves. Run at a light trot and make sure to maintain your pace throughout the entire distance. This will build your endurance and improve your running technique.
b) Interval training
Interval training combines intense phases with short recovery phases. For example, run for 30 seconds at a fast trot or canter, followed by 30 seconds at a slow walk. Repeat this several times to increase your heart rate and improve your stamina. This training prepares you for the quick changes of direction and sprints often required in competitions.
c) Jumping and balance exercises
To improve your jumping power, you can do special exercises for your leg muscles. Jump on the spot, alternating legs, or use small obstacles to repeatedly jump over. These exercises will help you master powerful jumps while also training your balance.
5. Mental training: Ride with concentration and confidence
In addition to physical exercises, mental preparation is also crucial. Especially for tournaments or challenging courses, you need not only physical strength but also a clear head. Practice focusing by imagining yourself successfully completing a course. Visualize your movements and imagine yourself confidently overcoming each challenge. Mental training helps you feel safe and confident, especially in stressful situations.
6. Group training: fun and team spirit
Hobby horsing is especially fun in a group setting. Organize training sessions with friends or in a club. Together, you can set up obstacle courses, give each other tips, and participate in competitions. Training in a group is motivating and promotes team spirit.
Find everything for your Hobby Horse training at Hobby Horse Planet
No matter what exercises you do with your hobby horse, the right equipment is the key to success. In our Hobby Horse Planet shop, you’ll find everything you need for your training: from halters and reins to professional hobby horses. If you don’t have your own hobby horse yet, we have a large selection of high-quality hobby horses waiting for you!
Stop by now and discover our extensive range!
