As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the modern pentathlon is saying goodbye to its equestrian component, a staple of the event since 1912. In its place, athletes will tackle a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course. However, some believe a different sport could have taken the reins—one that’s both athletic and deeply connected to equestrian traditions: hobby horse riding.
The End of an Era: Equestrian Events in Decline
The decision to phase out equestrian events from the modern pentathlon was met with mixed emotions, especially among athletes like French pentathlete Jean-Baptiste Mourcia, who lamented the loss of this historic discipline. For the Paris 2024 Games, the equestrian challenge has been notably simplified—reduced from 12 to 10 obstacles, with jump heights lowered from 1.20 meters to 1.10 meters. This scaled-down version marks a gentle end to the sport’s long Olympic history.
Reflecting on the final equestrian event, Mourcia expressed bittersweet pride: “I’m finishing the equestrian part of the pentathlon on a high note. I’m happy, proud, really satisfied. But the end of equestrian events in the pentathlon? That stings.”
Standing beside him, fellow pentathlete Valentin Prades had a different perspective. Though he struggled in the simplified event, Prades has long advocated for the evolution of the sport. After Paris, the equestrian component will be replaced with an obstacle course, a format that appeals to a younger audience and avoids the ethical issues associated with animal welfare. “We haven’t started training for it yet,” Prades admitted, “but we’ll jump into it after the Games. It’s all about adapting, and that’s in the DNA of a pentathlete.”
Hobby Horse: An Unlikely but Promising Alternative
While the Ninja Warrior course is set to replace traditional equestrian events, some believe that hobby horse riding could have been a more fitting successor. This quirky sport, which is wildly popular in Finland, involves participants galloping and jumping over obstacles while holding a wooden stick with a horse’s head attached. It’s a whimsical yet surprisingly athletic activity that mirrors the mechanics of equestrian jumping—minus the actual horse.
Elodie Marolle, who recently organized a hobby horse competition in Seine-Maritime, France, sees untapped potential in the sport. “At our competition, participants were jumping 1.20 meters. Jumping that height with free arms is tough, and doing it while holding a stick horse is even tougher.”
Alexandrine Golfier, president of the Hobby Horse Passion Lauragais club, also champions the sport’s technical diversity. “My 12-year-old daughter recently cleared a 1.10-meter jump. Each rider develops their own technique, whether it’s how they position their legs or how they approach each jump.”
In hobby horse competitions, riders don’t just rely on a single mount. Each participant often has a stable of stick horses, each with its own name and characteristics, akin to real horses. “They take great care of them,” Marolle observed. “At our event, participants registered with the names of their hobby horses, selecting the best one for each event. There’s a real connection to equestrian traditions here.”
TikTok Fame and Viral Appeal
Hobby horse riding isn’t just a niche sport; it’s a viral sensation. On TikTok, the hashtag #hobbyhorse has garnered over 200,000 mentions, with videos of obstacle course and dressage competitions frequently surpassing a million views. As the Olympic Committee seeks to modernize the Games’ image—evident in the inclusion of breakdancing—it’s worth considering whether hobby horse riding could have brought a fresh, youthful energy to the Olympics.
The Challenges: Structure and Acceptance
Despite its appeal, hobby horse riding faces significant hurdles before it can be considered for Olympic inclusion. The sport lacks formal organization, with no governing body even in Finland, where it’s most popular. Golfier struggled to establish her hobby horse association due to insurance challenges. “The sport isn’t recognized, so it’s not easy to classify. We couldn’t fit it under athletics or equestrianism, but we finally found an insurer willing to create a hobby horse section.”
Additionally, the sport is predominantly female, with few male participants. Although Golfier has recently received inquiries from boys interested in joining, hobby horse riding remains largely associated with young girls and women. Overcoming these gender barriers will be crucial if the sport is to achieve broader acceptance.
Perhaps most troubling is the ridicule faced by hobby horse enthusiasts. “In France, young people who participate in hobby horse riding are often mocked, even by adults,” Marolle said. “Every time you see it, it’s usually in some parody. That makes it hard for people to take us seriously.”
A Future Olympic Sport?
For now, hobby horse riding may not be ready for the global stage, but it’s clear that the sport has the potential to bring something unique to the Olympics. As the modern pentathlon evolves, who knows what the future might hold? While hobby horse riding won’t debut in Los Angeles in 2028, there’s always a chance it could make a bid in the years to come.
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Ethan Reynolds is a culinary expert and recipe creator for Lady and The Track. With a degree in culinary arts and over a decade of experience as a professional chef, Ethan brings his love for cooking to the site’s recipe section. He specializes in creating easy-to-follow, delicious recipes for home cooks, from weeknight meals to gourmet dishes. Outside the kitchen, Ethan enjoys teaching cooking classes and experimenting with new flavors.