Hobby Horsing is a popular sport that originated in 2004 in Finland and is currently growing in popularity throughout Europe. White Oak Stables is proud to present the first Hobby Horse Shows in Northern VA!

Class List

Pleasure Division
classes will be split by age if there are enough entries
14. Walk/Trot
15. Walk/Trot/Go As You Please
16. Walk/Trot/Canter

Hobby Horse – Steeplechase Racing Fun Division

Racing Sprinters Division
one lap around the arena
1. Minis
2. Juniors
3. Seniors

Racing Fun Division
one lap around the arena, classes will be split by age if there are enough entries
4. Trotting – no cantering allowed
5. Backwards – must canter backwards
6. Hackamore – no hands on your hobby horse
7. One Tempi – skipping only

Racing Teams Division
one lap around the arena
8. Sponge Bucket Relay – the first team to get rid of all the sponges in their bucket wins
9. Holding Hands – all riders must hold hands
10. Follow the Leader – one rider goes with their eyes closed

Hobby Horse Riders

Dressage Division
pairs and teams are also allowed
11. Test A – Beginner (view test)
12. Test B – Intermediate (view test)
13. Test C – Freestyle (view test)

** Ring Change **

Steeplechase Division
classes will be split by age if there are enough entries
17. 1’0 jumps, 2 laps, 6 obstacles
18. 1’6 jumps, 2 laps, 6 obstacles
19. 2’0 jumps, 3 laps, 8 obstacles

Hobby Horse – Racing Pairs Division

** Ring Change **

Hunter/Jumping Division
classes will be split by age if there are enough entries
20. 1’0 or 1’3 – 4 obstacles
21. 1’6 or 1’9 – 6 obstacles
22. 2’0 or 2’3 – 8 obstacles

Division Info

• Racing Sprinters – Is designed to test the maximum speed of the horse and rider. A sprint is always one lap around the designated arena course. Riders that go outside the arena course boundaries or exceed the maximum time limit are disqualified. There are no obstacles to jump over in this division.
• Racing Pacers – Is designed to test both the speed and endurance of the horse and rider. A pace is always two laps around the designated arena course. Riders that go outside the arena course boundaries or exceed the maximum time limit are disqualified. There are no obstacles to jump over in this division.
• Racing Distancers – Is designed to test the endurance of the horse and rider. A distance race is always three laps around the designated arena course. Riders that go outside the arena course boundaries or exceed the maximum time limit are disqualified. There are no obstacles to jump over in this division.
• Racing Fun – are designed to be fun and entertaining and test a rider’s skill in unusual situations. These range from one to three laps around the arena and potentially interacting with various obstacles. There are no obstacles to jump over in this division.
• Racing Teams – are designed to be fun and entertaining and test a rider’s coordination, cooperation and communication skills in unusual situations while working with a team mate. There can be as many as four riders to a team but a minimum of two riders is required. These range from one to three laps around the arena and potentially interacting with various obstacles. There are no obstacles to jump over in this division.
• Racing Steeplechase – Is designed to test the speed, endurance and jumping ability of horse and riders. A steeplechase consists of at least 4 jump, but may have as many as 25 jumps. Maximum jump heights are determined by the age of the youngest competitor.
• Racing Steeplechase Fun – are designed to be fun and entertaining and test a rider’s skill in unusual situations. These range from one to three laps around the arena and potentially interacting with various obstacles. There are at least 4 jump obstacles, but there may be as many as 25. Maximum jump heights are determined by the age of the youngest competitor.
• Racing Steeplechase Teams – are designed to be fun and entertaining and test a rider’s coordination, cooperation and communication skills in unusual situations while working with a team mate. There can be as many as four riders to a team but a minimum of two riders is required. These range from one to three laps around the arena and potentially interacting with various obstacles. There are at least 4 jump obstacles, but there may be as many as 25. Maximum jump heights are determined by the age of the youngest competitor.
• Dressage – Judges the horse and rider on their ability to complete a series of movements. Test A is for beginners with 6-8 movements, Test B is for intermediates with 8-10 movements and Test A is an advanced freestyle with 10-12 movements. Tests can be ridden as individuals, pairs or teams. Movements that can appear at each test level are below:
  • Test A: Halt, walk, trot, canter, circle, half-circle, turn, half turn and reverse, loop, serpentine, and back up
  • Test B: Any movements from Test A in addition to flying changes, half pass, collected and extended gaits
  • Test C: Any movements from Test A and Test B in addition to half Pass zig zags, passage, piaffe, canter pirouette, tempi changes
• Pleasure – Judges how pleasurably the horse and rider pair go around the arena at different gaits. Takes into account gait consistency, transitions, impulse, energy, style, appearance of the hobby horse, tack, turn out, proper use of aids and turn out.
• Hunter/Jumper – Tests the ability of horse and rider to complete a course of obstacles. Follows the same guidelines for judging as the Pleasure addition, also taking into account the style, approach and jumping ability of the horse and rider.

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Show Rules

1. All competitors must have a hobby horse/stick horse and be mounted as they compete. We recommend shorter sticks for competitors planning to jump.
2. Classes must have at least 3 entries to be judged.
3. Ribbons will be awarded for each class up to 6th place.
4. Shoes are required for all competitors.
5. Show attire or schooling attire are not required but encouraged.
6. Riding helmets are not required but strongly encouraged for jumping classes.
7. Mini classes are open to any competitor aged 7 or under.
8. Junior classes are open to any competitor 8 to 14.
9. Senior classes are open to any competitor 15 or older
10. Competitors will be disqualified or excused from their class for dismounting, exceeding the time allowed, excessive jumping faults, being off course, refusals, being disrespectful to fellow competitors, hitting/kicking or using their hobby horse in any way other than how it is intended.
11. No horses, dogs or trailers will be permitted on the show grounds. Hobby horses only!
12. No drugs, alcohol, or glass containers are permitted on the show grounds.
13. The judge reserves the right to split and combine classes or divisions due to the number of entries.
14. All competition rulings and judge results are final.

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