Pictured: Hobby horse enthusiasts gallop through first national championship

Timothy Sigsworth
Competitors practice their moves before taking part in the UK Hobby Horse championship
Competitors practice their moves before taking part in the UK Hobby Horse championship - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Hobby horse enthusiasts have shown off their passion for the pastime at the first-ever national championships.

Participants in the UK Hobby Horse Championship had to race around an indoor equestrian facility in Buckinghamshire with a toy horse between their legs on Sunday.

Hobby horse competitions feature young enthusiasts trotting, galloping, and cantering on toy horses in various disciplines
Hobby horse competitions feature young enthusiasts trotting, galloping, and cantering on toy horses in various disciplines - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe
Competitors cheer on their friends
Competitors cheer on their friends - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

Those involved trotted, galloped and cantered on tminiature mounts and leaped over jumps during the contest at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in Slapton, Buckinghamshire.

Some even dressed as smartly as horse riders would for equestrian competitions.

The pastime's popularity has surged in recent years, especially during the pandemic
The pastime’s popularity has surged in recent years, especially during the pandemic - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

The UK Hobby Horse Association, which organised the competition, said competitors and guests were able to “witness the magic of hobby horsing, connect with fellow enthusiasts and get inspired by the dazzling displays of creativity and agility”.

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