Riding a Hobbyhorse: horseplay, hold one's horses. 比賽

Participants in Hobbyhorse competitions who invest real time, money and tears in the sport say it is much more than just horseplay for the ponytail set.

Riding a Hobbyhorse: Yes, It’s an Organized Sport

Thousands of young competitors in Finland are competing in equestrian jumping and dressage events while riding horses on a stick; telling naysayers to hold their horses.

WSJ.COM

Germany's first hobby horsing championship will gallop through Frankfurt this weekend. Hundreds of young riders will hop on their wooden stick to be judged on various criteria, including precision, timing and elegance. 

 

The sport, which comes from Finland, has seen a huge surge internationally in recent years: the United States and Australia also held their first championships this year. 

 

In the dressage category, officials will be looking at the rider's posture, skills and body positioning. Are they using elegant leg movements, with their toes touching the ground first? Are they using various speeds and gaits in their routine? 

 

Style jumpers will also be judged on their posture, as well as jumping over the center of the obstacles, sticking the landing and keeping a steady pace. 

 

While organizers want to promote empowerment and acceptance through a positive and inclusive experience for competitors, critics have pounced on the activity. Many riders have faced bullying and misogynistic comments online. But as the sport is growing, the riders are more and more taken seriously. According to the German Hobby Horsing Association, there are about 5,000 active hobby horsers in Germany and 230 clubs. Around 1,500 spectators are expected at the championship this weekend.

📸: (1) dpa; (2,3,4) AP

hold one's horses

phrase of hold

1. 1.

   informal

   wait a moment.