Hobby Horses for Sale

Looking for a hobby horse for sale and not sure where to start? Prices range from £15 supermarket toys to £250 competition-grade heads, and the difference is not always obvious in a product photo. This guide breaks down the four types you will actually find, what changes between a toy and a sport horse, and how to pick the right one the first time.

What Exactly Is a Hobby Horse?

A hobby horse is a stuffed horse head mounted on a wooden stick, ridden by holding the stick between the legs. Kids have played with them for centuries. What changed in the last decade is that hobby horsing became an actual sport, with dressage tests, show jumping courses and national championships, and the equipment followed.

You will see the same object called a hobby horse, a stick horse, a stick pony or a broom horse depending on the country. They describe the same thing, but the naming often signals the market: "stick horse" usually points to the toy end, "hobby horse" to the sport end.

Hobby Horse vs Stick Horse: Is There a Difference?

In practice, yes. A stick horse is typically a soft plush head on a short dowel, sized for toddlers, sold as a toy. A hobby horse built for the sport has a shaped, firmly stuffed head, a real bridle with working buckles, sewn-in ears and mane, and a stick long enough to be jumped with. The second one survives a season of training. The first one does not.

The Four Types of Hobby Horses for Sale

1. Plush Stick Horses (Ages 2–5)

Lightweight, soft all over, short stick, often with sound. Made for pretend play rather than riding technique. Look for a stick around 60–70 cm and a stitched head rather than glued parts.

2. Realistic Hobby Horses (Ages 6+)

The middle of the market and the best value for most buyers. Sculpted head, breed-accurate colouring, brushable mane, removable bridle. Sturdy enough for jumping in the garden without being priced like competition tack.

3. Competition Hobby Horses

Built to rulebook proportions, weighted for balance in the air, with reinforced neck seams that survive repeated landings. Usually handmade in small batches. This is what riders bring to official classes.

4. Custom and Breed-Specific Horses

Made to order in a chosen breed, colour and marking pattern: Friesian, Appaloosa, Andalusian, Arabian, unicorn. Expect a wait, and expect it to become the rider's favourite.

How Much Does a Hobby Horse Cost?

Type	Typical price	Best for
Plush stick horse	£15–£30	Toddlers, party favours, first horse
Realistic hobby horse	£35–£80	Everyday riding and garden jumping
Competition grade	£90–£180	Training and official classes
Custom handmade	£150–£250+	Serious riders, gifts, collectors

The single biggest price driver is who made it. Machine-produced heads come off a line in minutes; a handmade head is cut, stuffed, sculpted and bridled by one person over several hours. That work is what you feel when you pick it up.

How to Choose the Right Hobby Horse

Match the Stick Length to the Rider

The stick should reach roughly from the ground to the rider's hip when held loosely. Too short and the rider stoops; too long and the horse catches on landing. As a rough guide: 70–80 cm for ages 4–7, 90–100 cm for ages 8–12, 100–110 cm for teens and adults.

Check the Neck Seam First

The joint between head and stick takes every bit of force during a jump. A screwed and glued dowel with a stitched collar holds. A head simply pushed onto a stick will wobble within weeks.

Decide Between Soft and Firm Stuffing

Soft stuffing feels nicer for cuddling and younger children. Firm stuffing holds the head shape in motion, which matters for dressage scoring where the horse's outline is judged.

Look at the Bridle

A functional bridle with adjustable buckles lets the rider swap tack, add a noseband or match a competition outfit. A printed-on bridle looks fine in photos and does nothing after that.

Where to Buy a Hobby Horse

Three routes, three trade-offs. General marketplaces are cheap and fast but the quality is a lottery and the listings rarely tell you stick length or stuffing density. Craft platforms have wonderful makers, though waiting times of six to eight weeks are common. Specialist shops sit in the middle: a curated range, consistent construction, and staff who can tell you which head suits a 9-year-old who has just started jumping.

Wherever you buy, ask for three numbers before you order: stick length, total height, and head weight. Any seller who knows their product has them ready.

Frequently Asked Questions