The Le Mieux Hobby Horse Challenge will take place at the NSEA Grass Roots Championships at Hickstead on 19/20th August 2026.
The aim of this competition is to have some fun and increase your fitness at the same time.
This competition is for NSEA members and their school friends. None horse owners are welcome.
You can bring your own Hobby Horse to the competition or borrow one of ours.
It is time to start practising !
HH riders can practice at home by creating their own courses and we will encouraging schools to get involved after Xmas.
NSEA Hobby Horse Rules
1 The rider must keep at both hands on the reins and remain astride the Hobby Horse throughout the course.
2 The course will consist of 8 obstacles and include some special features eg bending poles.
3 The course will be timed from start to finish.
4 The winner will be deemed to be the person who jumps clear in the fastest time whilst adhering to rule 1
5 The top 20 riders from the preliminary rounds will qualify for the final. (riders can only compete once in the final)
Classes
will be split according to ages and heights of fences will be adjusted accordingly.
A) Mini. 4 – 7 yrs (Key Stage 1 , Reception, yrs 1 & 2) approx 40cm
B) Midi 7 – 11 yrs (Key Stage 2 , Yrs 3 – 6) approx 60cm
C) Maxi Open to all ages. over 70cm
Additional Classes
D) Pairs Challenge.
Two riders, jumping the course together. Judged on style.
Riders need to match strides, jump shoulder to shoulder and co-ordinate timing & turns around the course.
E) HH Chase -me Charlie
High jump on Hobby horseback
Notes to Team Managers and Parents
This is a fun, light hearted competition, used as a fundraiser for the Air Ambulance.
Encouragement and cheering is fine, but coaching is not . We are not at the Olympics, we want kids to have a go and enjoy themselves with old and new friends!