Following the successful inaugural running of the UK Inter-School Hobby Horse competition, it has been revealed that the event will return in 2026, taking place on Thursday 2 July in Cumbria.
The first UK Inter-School Hobby Horse competition took pace in Dearham in July and welcomed 20 children from five local primary schools to compete in a fun showjumping competition with their hobby horses.
The event was organised by local children’s author and former teacher Helen Haraldsen who is also known as the Writer in Wellies. Helen regularly visits local schools to offer hobby horse sessions.
“There are a lot of children who will never get to take part in equestrian sport but hobby horsing gives those children the chance to learn about it and have fun while engaging in competition with other ‘riders’,” said Helen.
‘There’s something magical about watching kids canter around on hobby horses – it combines imagination, movement, and confidence-building.
“I wanted to offer schools something totally different, and judging by the laughter and cheers, it was a huge success. Everyone involved was beaming with pride at the end of the competition.”
Charity support
Dobies Cumbria Charitable Trust are returning to support the event for the second straight year, ensuring it will remain free for schools to enter.
Pupils collected points from the classes they competed in and the school with the most points at the end of the competition were crowned the winners. That accolade was awarded to Greystoke Primary School, the highest placed individual was Amber, who is a pupil at Greystoke.
Hobby horse sessions for schools support PE curriculum goals including agility, control and balance, coordination and flexibility, and are ideal for schools looking to broaden their physical activity offer using their PE Premium funding. They also give kids a brilliant mental workout and develop emotional well-being.
“All the children were really positive about the event and would love to do it again,” said Catherine Mallard, head of St Begh’s Catholic Primary School in Whitehaven.
“They said they met lots of nice people and had the opportunity to make new friends from other schools. They appreciated that everyone’s efforts were recognised and there was a very encouraging atmosphere.”
Helen’s books
Helen has written the best-selling Amber’s Pony Tales series, which is based on her own ponies and experiences.
She also wrote Duble the Racing Shetland and Poppy, which is about a real-life Shetland pony and his journey to becoming a star of the Shetland Pony Grand National.
Helen’s next book, which is due out in November, is about a girl and her hobby horse.
Images © Helen Haraldsen.
