Hobbyhorsing is the latest equestrian trend sweeping Finland, a "horse crazy" nation.
Hobbyhorsing is the latest equestrian trend sweeping Finland, a "horse crazy" nation.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
It sees participants -- called "hobbyists" -- riding stick horses in events that mirror equestrian circuits and dressage.
It sees participants -- called "hobbyists" -- riding stick horses in events that mirror equestrian circuits and dressage.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
For the most part, hobbyhorsing is seen as a fun pastime or an exciting new way to exercise. But there are still competitive tournaments for the hobbyists to enter.
For the most part, hobbyhorsing is seen as a fun pastime or an exciting new way to exercise. But there are still competitive tournaments for the hobbyists to enter.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
Although not exclusively limited to young girls, hobbyhorsing in dominated by this demographic.
Although not exclusively limited to young girls, hobbyhorsing in dominated by this demographic.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
It was first introduced to the Finnish mainstream by documentary "Hobbyhorse Revolution" earlier this year.
It was first introduced to the Finnish mainstream by documentary "Hobbyhorse Revolution" earlier this year.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
"My favorite thing is the community," says Elsa Salo, one of the stars of Hobbyhorse Revolution.
"My favorite thing is the community," says Elsa Salo, one of the stars of Hobbyhorse Revolution.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
"I also like making horses and creating the personalities of the horses, sharing the horses with others and telling other hobbyists about them."
"I also like making horses and creating the personalities of the horses, sharing the horses with others and telling other hobbyists about them."
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
"The community is so tolerating and we accept everyone the way they are."
"The community is so tolerating and we accept everyone the way they are."
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
It is estimated that around 10,000 people regularly take part in hobbyhorsing, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher.
It is estimated that around 10,000 people regularly take part in hobbyhorsing, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
On the weekend of May 20 and 21, more than 40,000 people descended on Kaivopuisto Park in Finland's capital, Helsinki, to celebrate 100 years of independence and 110 years since the founding of the Finnish studbook.
On the weekend of May 20 and 21, more than 40,000 people descended on Kaivopuisto Park in Finland's capital, Helsinki, to celebrate 100 years of independence and 110 years since the founding of the Finnish studbook.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
The "CityHorse" event boasted the largest hobbyhorse arena ever built in Finland and it is estimated to have attracted more than 5,000 hobbyists over the two days.
The "CityHorse" event boasted the largest hobbyhorse arena ever built in Finland and it is estimated to have attracted more than 5,000 hobbyists over the two days.
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
Former Finnish prime minister, Alexander Stubb, is also a fan of the latest craze. "It's a great new sport," he tells CNN. "Anything to get kids moving. One hour of exercise gives you two hours of energy."
Former Finnish prime minister, Alexander Stubb, is also a fan of the latest craze. "It's a great new sport," he tells CNN. "Anything to get kids moving. One hour of exercise gives you two hours of energy."
Vilhelmiina Keskil?
Ada Filppa, a PR manager for the Finnish Hobbyhorse Federation, believes so many are drawn to the sport because "people can be whatever they want to be -- and do so many things."
Ada Filppa, a PR manager for the Finnish Hobbyhorse Federation, believes so many are drawn to the sport because "people can be whatever they want to be -- and do so many things."
Ada Filppa