The UK’s first hobby horse camp will take place this summer, with the 40 places available expected to fill at lightning speed.

The three-day camp (8-10 August) run by Hobby Horse Adventures will take place at Field House Farm in Driffield, East Yorkshire. It is billed as “a parentally supervised camping weekend packed with exciting hobby horse activities and plenty of laughs with like-minded enthusiasts (both kids and adults).”

It is open to both seasoned hobby horse competitors and those who are new to the sport.

“A year or so ago I fantasised about what would be the most mad hobby horse thing I could do and the seed was planted for Hobby Horse Camp,” said Zoe Brown.

“Hobby Horse Camp will be the first of its kind in the UK. It’s an opportunity for members of the new and growing hobby horse community to gather for a weekend in beautiful countryside.” 

Camp activities

Camp activities will include dressage, jumping, a parents’ Grand National, cross-country and mounted games.

There will also be a best turned out hobby horse competition and a Chase Me Charlie, where competitors tackle a single fence that increasingly gets bigger to see who can jump the highest.

“My kids and I love nothing more than camping (I can’t say the same for the hubby!) and this campsite is one hour from Leeds, so it’s ideal for us,” added Zoe.

“It is also the hometown of ‘Shellys Handmade Hobby Horses’, so she will be in attendance with her beautiful hand crafted ponies — they are a firm favourite in the industry.”

Prices start from £150 per child plus camping fees.

There are a small number of day tickets available too.

Inclusive and welcoming

Interest in hobby horses has grown rapidly.

Up to 100 children take part in each competition, and Hobby Horse Adventures also offers birthday parties, wedding entertainment, school visits and attends outdoor events, like agricultural shows and horse trials.

“We have been building our audience in the UK since inception on Christmas Day 2023 and we have a wide following of young people up to age 18,” said Zoe.

“Hobby horsing is inclusive, welcoming and offers socialisation, movement, stamina, focus and general fitness and wellness.

“It appeals to a wide range of children, many of whom already ride real ponies themselves, but for a change they want to be the ones running and jumping and achieving greater heights.”

Find out more about Hobby Horse Camp here

Main image © Hobby Horse Adventures