Maryport hosted Cumbria’s inaugural hobby horse competition.
The event, which was the brainchild of author and equestrian Helen Haraldsen, took place on Saturday, December 21, at Lakeland Livery Yard in Dearham.
Ms Haraldsen, who is known for her children’s books and workshops in schools, has been introducing the sport to schools since summer.
Winners of the 40cm Hobby Horse competition (Image: Supplied) She decided to run the open competition for Christmas at the Maryport venue.
The sport sees participants compete with their hobby horses in a variety of disciplines.
It originated in Finland and has been growing in popularity in the UK since 2024, with even a British Hobby Horse of the Year event taking place.
Winners of the 50cm Hobby Horse competition (Image: Supplied) Ms Haraldsen said: “Playing ponies was always my favourite game and I could spend hours inventing horse and rider combinations for my home showjumping competitions.
“It fuelled my imagination and kept me physically active, but it was a game of one.
“How brilliant would it have been if there had been actual competitions with other pony-mad kids like me to meet and compete against?”
Winners of the Top Score (Under 10) Hobby Horse competition (Image: Supplied) There were a number of classes, all aimed at beginners, with prizes for the winners and rosettes for the top four placed ‘riders’.
One mother said: “It was a very warm and welcoming group for a newcomer who had never been to any type of competition before.
“My daughter was helped out when needed and I’ve not seen her that confident before.
CMC Under 10 (Image: Supplied) “She thoroughly enjoyed taking part.”
Ms Haraldsen also has plans to run further competitions in the new year, with the next one set to take place in March.
She is also hoping to visit more schools, and ultimately set up an inter-school competition before the end of the school year.
CMC Over 10 (Image: Supplied) Ms Haraldsen said: “It’s just so great for kids, and people are really seeing the benefits of it.
“It gets them active and off screens, it’s brilliant fun and encourages imaginative play, they can make friends with other people who share their interests, it develops confidence and it’s open to anyone.
“Some of the kids who do it have their own pony, but many don’t and it doesn’t matter at all.
“It’s the perfect way for kids who don’t have access to ponies to learn about equestrian sport and experience the same values.”
Full results from Ms Haraldsen’s hobby horse show:
30cm
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1st – Joanna Litt
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2nd – Freya Rowland
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3rd – Lottie Steele
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4th – Paige Dargaval
40cm
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1st – Freya Rowland
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2nd – Ruby Nixon
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3rd – Keira Cosby
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4th – Orla Graham
50cm
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1st – Taylor Kackson
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2nd – Freya Rowland
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3rd – Dinah Gate
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4th – Isla Geisselmann