Recently, I have fallen victim to the unpredictable yet compelling sport of hobby horsing. If you are unaware of this niche activity, I am sorry to say that you have been missing out. Allow me to introduce you to the next big thing.
A Brief History
Hobby horsing is an incredibly new sport, only breaking through to mainstream media in the 2010s. Its origins lie in Finland among groups of young adults – particularly those who love horses – who sought to create a community where they could participate in equestrian activities even without the presence of real horses. This subculture slowly spread around the world via its virality on social media platforms.
Cal Poly’s Involvement
Beginning in 2024, Cal Poly’s Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) has committed to hosting its annual Hobby Horse Competition. This large-scale contest features four main events: individual racing, group relay racing, individual performance, and group performance. And you haven’t even heard the best part – any student, regardless of their hobby horse experience, is encouraged to participate!Â
Following the actual Hobby Horse Competition, ASI awards the top performers in each event with tickets to the Cal Poly Rodeo. The only caveat is that the winners must also perform at the rodeo.
On Feb. 26, 2026, ASI hosted the 3rd Annual Hobby Horse Competition, which proved to be the event’s most successful year yet. To raise the stakes this year, ASI decided to send the top two group performances to the rodeo; this was the conquest which I was truly after.
A Gallop Towards Victory
As I entered the Rec Center with my team on that fateful day, I was taken aback by the sea of people in the stands. I turned to my teammates, and I could tell they were feeling the same performance anxiety that I was. Weeks of practice all came down to our 2 minutes and 45 seconds on the stage (the center of the gym). We took our seats, watched the racing events, and then saddled up for our time to shine.Â
As we trotted downstage, we took hold of our steeds and got into formation. The MC turned to me and asked, “Are you ready?” I confidently answered, “Yes.” The lights dimmed, the trumpet of the first song rang, and it was go time.
I felt like I blacked out, but my body knew exactly what to do. The only noise I could really hear was the rising roar of the crowd as our routine progressed.
Once our performance was over, the Hobby Horse High set in. My teammates and I hooted and hollered; we somehow knew that we were going to the rodeo.Â
After the six other group performances, it was time for the results to be announced. The judges presented trophies to the racing winners, and then to the individual performance winners. They moved onto the group performance winners last – the moment of truth! The 3rd place winners were announced, and then: “The Rise and Fall of a Party Pony” (our team name). We had done it! We were going to the rodeo!