The internet phenomenon of hobby horse competition, one of the newest forms of equestrian sport, has captured the attention of young audiences from around the world following coverage of a top-tier event in Finland and the release of a popular documentary this past spring.

Tryon Resort & Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) are proud to announce the debut of the American Hobby Horse competition, which will be hosted at the venue during the Tryon Summer Series, culminating with a final championship competition on Saturday, July 22 in the George H. Morris Arena.

Riders participating in competitive hobby horsing – a toy consisting of a stick with a model horse head – perform and mimic the movements and technicality of horseback riding in the disciplines of show jumping and dressage, then translate that to their stick horse, where judges will mark and score their rounds.

Competitions run similarly to regular horse shows, offering different fence heights for jumpers and tests/levels for dressage riders. Riders receive ribbons and awards for top-placing finishes and practice their skills before competition with trainers and coaches.

TIEC is honored to host the first organized hobby horse competition currently known in the United States during the highly-anticipated Tryon Summer Series, featuring five weeks of international FEI show jumping.

Hobby horse demonstrations will be hosted in front of The General Store at Tryon Resort on Saturday, June 10 from 4 – 6 p.m. ahead of official competition during the following weeks. The hobby horse competition will take place on Saturday, July 1, Saturday, July 8 and Saturday, July 15, in the special events tent overlooking the George H. Morris Arena, and conclude with the championship competition on Saturday, July 22.

Check-in for competition will begin at 4:30 p.m. and classes will start at 5 p.m. Participants should bring a hobby horse, which are available for purchase on-site in Tryon Tack, and wear comfortable, athletic attire and running shoes or tennis shoes.

Divisions will be designated by school grade. The Kindergarten and Younger Division will offer a Cross Rails class of fences from 6 inches to 12 inches. The First – Fifth Grade Division will host four classes, including Cross Rails (6”-12”), 18”, 2’, and 2’6”. The Sixth – Eighth Grade Division will offer classes in the following heights, Cross Rails (6”-12”), 18”, 2’, 2’6”, and 3’. An Open Class featuring a High Jump competition will also be offered each week.

Riders must complete the entire course with their hobby horse and will incur four faults for every rail lowered during their time on course. Results will be based on the time in which the rider completes the course, with the fastest rider taking first place. The top eight places will be awarded ribbons for each division at the conclusion of competition.

The top 12 combinations for each class designation will have the opportunity to qualify for the championship competition on Saturday, July 22.

If interested in registering to compete, fill out an online form at tryon.com. For more information on hobby horse and competition hosted at TIEC, email hobbyhorse@tryon.com.

– article submitted by Michelle McConnell Yelton