Despite online mockery, hobbyhorsing draws over a hundred participants in France

In August 2026, France hosted a hobbyhorsing competition — a sport in which participants 'ride' a toy horse on a stick. The event drew more than a hundred participants, pointing to the activity's growing popularity.

Online mockery versus real-world interest

Although hobbyhorsing is often ridiculed on social media and dismissed as an odd or amusing pastime, the turnout in France told a different story — the large number of participants suggests the sport has a genuine and active following.

The competition was documented in photographs, offering a closer look at this unusual sport, which blends physical activity with a creative twist on the traditional concept of horse riding.

The French event demonstrates that hobbyhorsing, which has been gaining popularity in several European countries, continues to attract participants even in parts of society where it is met with skepticism.