Tired of boring gym routines? A new fitness wave is galloping straight from Finland into studios and living rooms worldwide. People of all ages now grab a stick horse, crank up the music, and jump, trot, and dance their way to better health. Hobby horse workout classes deliver serious cardio, core strength, and coordination — all while you pretend to ride an invisible stallion.
At NtaiFitness, we love trends that make exercise feel like play. That’s why we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about hobby horse fitness in 2025.
What Is a Hobby Horse Workout Class Exactly?
You hold a plush horse head on a stick between your legs. You run, jump, and perform dressage patterns. You follow an instructor through choreographed gaits and obstacle courses. That’s it — and that’s everything.
These 45–60-minute sessions blend Zumba energy with equestrian precision. Participants bounce through walk → trot → canter drills, leap over mini hurdles, and finish with core-burning planks while gripping their “reins.”
Origins: From Finnish Teenagers to Global Fitness Studios
Finnish girls invented modern hobby horsing (keppihevosjumppa) in the early 2000s because real horses were expensive and stables far away. By 2013 the first Finnish Hobby Horse Championships attracted hundreds of competitors.
TikTok exploded the trend globally in 2021–2023. Gyms in Germany, Sweden, and the UK launched the first paid hobby horse fitness classes in 2023.
In 2025 the International Hobbyhorse Federation now unites 20+ countries.
How a Hobby Horse Fitness Class Actually Looks (Step-by-Step)
- Warm-up (10 min)
March, trot in place, and practice posting (rising with every second beat). - Technique & Strength (15 min)
Perform mountain climbers while holding the stick horse, deadlift the horse overhead, or hold isometric “two-point” position. - Cardio + Agility Course (20 min)
Gallop through cones, jump 30–100 cm obstacles, weave figure-eights — all at increasing speed. - Cool-down & Stretch (10 min)
Walk your horse, breathe deeply, and stretch hips and hamstrings.
Result? You burn 250–400 calories, laugh nonstop, and leave dripping sweat.
Science-Backed Benefits of Hobby Horse Workouts
Superior Core Activation and Balance Training
Holding correct rider posture forces deep core and pelvic floor muscles to fire constantly. Studies on real horseback riding show 30–40 % higher core engagement than crunches alone — hobby horsing replicates the same mechanics.
Effective Low-Impact Cardio
A 50-minute class hits moderate-to-vigorous intensity zones. Heart-rate data from Finnish clubs averages 140–165 bpm — comparable to dance cardio or light jogging.
Coordination and Proprioception Boost
Changing gaits, jumping sequences, and directional changes sharpen brain-body connection fast. Riders report noticeable agility gains within 4–6 weeks.
Mental Health Supercharger
The playful element triggers massive endorphin release. Participants describe it as “therapy with sweat.” Communities are overwhelmingly supportive; gym anxiety disappears when everyone looks equally ridiculous.
Truly Inclusive Fitness
No horse allergies, no 500 kg animal, no expensive lessons. Kids aged 6, adults aged 60, and people with physical limitations all join the same class with simple modifications.
Best Hobby Horse Workout Exercises You Can Do at Home Today
No class nearby? Build your own routine in a 3 × 3 m space.
- Trot-in-Place + High Knees – 4 × 45 sec
- Stick Horse Overhead Press – 3 × 12
- Hurdle Jumps (use books or small boxes) – 5 × 8 jumps
- Two-Point Hold (half-squat while “posting”) – 4 × 20 sec
- Gallop Intervals around the sofa – 6 × 30 sec sprint / 30 sec walk
Add NtaiFitness mini hurdles, resistance loops, or core sliders to level up instantly.
Potential Downsides (and How to Fix Them)
- “It looks silly” → Embrace the silliness; joy is the secret sauce for long-term adherence.
- Limited space → Do gait drills in place and use foldable hurdles.
- Initial soreness → Start with 20-minute sessions and focus on posture.
Where to Find Hobby Horse Fitness Classes in 2025–2026
- Finland: 800+ weekly classes
- Germany, Sweden, UK, Poland: rapidly growing studio offerings
- USA: new clubs in California, Texas, and New York (check Hobbyhorse Revolution groups)
- Online: YouTube channels “Keppihevostalli” and “Hobbyhorse Fitness” offer follow-along classes
Final Verdict
Hobby horse workout classes prove that fitness doesn’t have to be serious to be effective. You get real cardio, legitimate core work, improved balance, and — most importantly — you actually look forward to the next session.
Grab a stick, name your horse, and join the most joyful fitness revolution of the decade.Ready to start?
Shop compact hurdles, resistance bands, and core trainers at NtaiFitness and build your home hobby horse gym today → https://www.ntaifitness.com
FAQ – Hobby Horse Workout Classes
Do you need an expensive hobby horse?
No. A €15 DIY version with a sock + broomstick works perfectly. Serious riders upgrade to €100–300 carbon-fiber models later.Q: Is hobby horsing only for girls?
Is hobby horsing only for girls?
90 %+ of participants are currently female, but boys and men are very welcome and numbers are rising.
How many calories does a hobby horse workout burn?
250–400 kcal per 50-minute session, depending on intensity.
Can adults join without feeling awkward?
Yes — most adult classes exist now, and the supportive vibe removes all judgment.
Will it replace my strength training?
It complements beautifully. Pair it with NtaiFitness dumbbells or kettlebells 2–3× week for complete programming.
