The 2023 Finnish Hobby Horse Championship video has become a sensation on social media, leading to many questioning its legitimacy.

At these championships, participants use hobby horses – stick horses with realistic heads and tails – and compete in traditional equestrian events like show jumping and dressage. Participants often don their riding attire for authenticity. Hobby horse events, which vary from competitive to social, are gaining traction globally.

Social media users shared mixed reactions:

“This shouldn’t be called a sport. 5-year-old kids do this kind of ‘sport’ when they’re playing,” said one user.

“Humanity needs a reset. Enough is enough,” chimed in another.

Defending the event, a user commented, “This is a wonderful hobby, and those riders are super skilled athletes. And they are not doing it for ‘vegans,’ but as a great hobby. Try yourself and stop those stupid negative comments.”