Why is it called a hobby horse? From the term “hobby horse” came the expression “to ride one’s hobby-horse”, meaning “to follow a favourite pastime”, and in turn, the modern sense of the term hobby. The term is also connected to the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle, invented by Baron Karl von Drais.
What does it mean to ride a hobby horse?
From "hobby horse" (see Etymology, below) came the expression "to ride one's hobby-horse", meaning "to follow a favourite pastime", and in turn, the modern sense of the term hobby. The term is also connected to the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle, invented by Baron Karl von Drais.
What is the origin of the word hobby?
The word hobby is glossed by the OED as "a small or middle-sized horse; an ambling or pacing horse; a pony.". The word is attested in English from the 14th century, as Middle English hobyn. Old French had hobin or haubby, whence Modern French aubin and Italian ubino.
Who invented the hobby horse in 1818?
[55] The term is also connected to the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle, invented by Baron Karl von Drais. In 1818, a London coach-maker named Denis Johnson began producing an improved version, which was popularly known as the "hobby-horse".
Why is hobby horsing so popular?
One reason is the fact that (real) horses are pricy. It’s a sport for the few – the rich. Hobby horsing allows enthusiasts to act out their fantasies of owning, riding, and competing with their own horse, minus the high expenses. And minus cleaning up piles of dung! Another reason behind its popularity is the community.
What is meant by hobby horse?
Definition of hobbyhorse 1a : a figure of a horse fastened about the waist in the morris dance. b : a dancer wearing this figure. 2 obsolete : buffoon.
Who invented the hobby horse?
The first machine to integrate the three main elements of the bicycle, balance, steering and propulsion, was invented and patented in 1817 in Mannheim, Germany by Karl von Drais. This was the Laufmaschine (English: Hobby Horse).
What does my wife's a hobby horse mean?
The sexual association led to the term 'hobby horse' being used as a name for a loose woman. In The Winter's Tale Leontes says to Camillo: They say. My wife's a hobby-horse, deserves a name. As rank as any flax-wench that puts to.
Is hobby horse a real thing?
Hobby horsing (from hobby horse) is a hobby with gymnastic elements, in which movement sequences similar to those in show jumping or dressage are partly simulated in courses, without real horses being used. Instead, the participants predominantly use self-made hobby horses.
Did the hobby horse have brakes?
Vehicle From 1817 An inscription explains how it works; 'The rider is conveniently seated on the small square board and leans forward against a well-padded cushion...' Hobby horses had no pedals or brakes, but were propelled and slowed by the rider pushing or dragging on the ground with his or her feet."
What age is a hobby horse for?
Classic design and superb quality, this gorgeous lifelike hobby horse is made from the best quality plush fur fabric.
What is a hobby horse Shakespeare?
In the late 1500s, hobby-horses began to be omitted from festivals, prompting the composition of the ballad which mourns, “For oh, for oh, the hobby-horse is forgot.” But hobby-horse was also a derogatory term for women who have multiple sexual partners.
How much does a hobby horse cost?
about $3,000The average cost of a hobby-horse is about $3,000. According to Seriously Equestrian, the most expensive horse breeds can cost up to $250,000.
Is hobby horse riding a sport?
But then, what is the Hobbyhorse? It is a mostly female sport that consists of performing choreographies and jumping obstacles across a broom handle from the equine head. This activity has already won over 10000 practitioners in Finland alone. And it seems that a real subculture around the Hobbyhorse is emerging.
Will hobby horse be an Olympic sport?
Is hobby horsing in the Olympics? Hobby horsing is not part of the Olympic Games just yet, but it has been proposed for inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics according to the FEI. The popular Finnish sport would strive for acceptance alongside skateboarding, breakdancing, and surfing.
Why was the hobby horse invented?
Border horses, called hobblers or hobbies, were small and active and trained to cross the most difficult and boggy country "and to get over where our footmen could scarce dare to follow." - George MacDonald Fraser, The Steel Bonnets, The Story of the Anglo-Scottish Border Reivers.
Where did hobby come from?
Little kids played with hobby horses to have fun and pass the time – and over time, the phrase “ride your hobby horse” came to mean “participate in your favorite pastime.” By the 18th century, the phrase was reduced to one word, hobby.
Who designed the the cover century guild hobby horse?
Founded by the architect and designer Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo (1851-1942), the Guild was one of the earliest Arts and Crafts groups in Britain.
Is hobby horse an Olympic sport?
Hobbyhorse has been proposed for inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics, the FEI has announced. The mounted sport, which is popular with teens in Finland, joins surfing, climbing, skateboarding and breakdancing as new entries to be put forward to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2024 Games.
What is the origin of the word hobby?
The word hobby is glossed by the OED as “a small or middle-sized horse; an ambling or pacing horse; a pony.” The word is attested in English from the 14th century, as Middle English hobyn. Old French had hobin or haubby, whence Modern French aubin and Italian ubino. But the Old French term is apparently adopted from English rather than vice versa.
What is a hobby horse called?
A hobby horse (or hobby-horse) is a child’s toy horse. Children played at riding a wooden hobby horse made of a straight stick with a small horse’s head (of wood or stuffed fabric), and perhaps reins, attached to one end.
Who invented the hobby horse?
In 1818, a London coach-maker named Denis Johnson began producing an improved version, which was popularly known as the “hobby-horse I can remember as a young child in Oakland Beach, Warwick, RI, my family use to walk down to the water area to ride the “dobby horses”.
Why is it called a dobby horse?
It’s more likely, however, that your family meant “Dobby horse,” which is an old English term for what we would call a “hobby-horse,” a wooden replica of a horse, today usually just a horse’s head on a stick used in play by children.
Why is it called a hobby?
It is the ‘favourite pastime’ version of the name, what we now call simply ‘a hobby’, that was adopted as a figurative expression meaning ‘a fixation; a thing one keeps coming back to’, that is, similar to having a bee in one’s bonnet. So, a hobby is really a hobby-horse.
What is the origin of the hobby horse?
In 1818, a London coach-maker named Denis Johnson began producing an improved version, which was popularly known as the “hobby-horse”. The artistic movement, Dada, is possibly named after a French child’s word for hobby-horse. The word hobby is glossed by the OED as “a small or middle-sized horse; an ambling or pacing horse; a pony.”
How big is the head of a hobby horse?
Types of hobby horse. The head is attached to a stick about 1 m (3 ft) long. The person acting the creature is covered by a cloth attached to the back of its head; he (or, rarely, she) bends over forwards or crouches, holding the head in front of their own and resting the other end of the stick on the ground.
What is a hobby horse?
The term 'hobby horse ' is used, principally by folklorists, to refer to the costumed characters that feature in some traditional seasonal customs, processions and similar observances around the world. They are particularly associated with May Day celebrations, mummers' plays and the Morris dance in England.
Where did the old horse come from?
In parts of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and around Sheffield there existed, into the early 20th century (and until 1970 at Dore) a Christmas and New Year custom of going from house to house performing a short play or dramatised song called The Old Horse, T'Owd 'Oss or Poor Old Horse. The horse was of the "mast" type, constructed in a similar way to the Wild Horse of the Soul-cakers and the hooden horses of Kent. The earliest record is from 1840, at Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire.
What is the top surface of a horse?
The top surface of the horse is covered with ribbons and strips of fabric. A long fabric skirt, painted with rows of multicoloured roundels, hangs down to the ground all round. A long tail is attached to the back of the frame. Each horse is accompanied by a small group of musicians and attendants.
What does a mast horse represent?
Mast horses are meant to represent the horse (or other animal) itself.
What do you wear to ride a tourney horse?
The "rider" may wear a cape or other flowing costume to help cover the frame. In the most elaborate versions, fake legs, meant to be those of the rider, hang down the sides of the skirt, though this seems to be a fairly recent development. Sieve horses are a simpler version of the tourney horse.
Where was the first horse recorded?
The earliest record is from 1840, at Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire. This type of performance still continues at Richmond, Yorkshire, at Christmas.
Where is the tail on a horse?
A tail may be attached to the back of the cloth. When the cloth is long enough, such as the sheet used by the Welsh Mari Lwyd, the performer can also stand up, lifting the head in front of their face or above their head. Not all hobby horses fit into these categories, even within the UK.
Why are horses called hobby horses?
It’s easier to imagine why people refer to their hobbies as hobby horses, because hobby horses were such a popular toy in medieval Europe.
Where did hobby horses originate?
Hobby horses have a bit of a long history, and they weren’t always necessarily a children’s toy.
How long are hobby horses?
Hobby horses in performances like mummers’ plays are generally about 6 feet long, since they need to accommodate two people.
What does "toy horse" mean?
So, because at first it meant a small horse, it later became a natural way to refer to a toy horse.
Where did the word "carthorse" come from?
It’s always difficult to say with absolute certainty, but the word seems to have originally come from Hobin, which was a variant of the name Robin which, folklorists think, was a name commonly given to carthorses.
What is a hobby horse?
What's a "Hobby Horse"? For those who never had the space, the money, or perhaps the guts to take up horse riding, there’s now a fun and quirky alternative that’s lower on spatial, income, and adrenaline demands. It’s called “hobby horsing” and it started in the Nordics.
Why are horses so popular?
How can a sport, that some might think absurd, grow so popular? One reason is the fact that (real) horses are pricy. It’s a sport for the few – the rich. Hobby horsing allows enthusiasts to act out their fantasies of owning, riding, and competing with their own horse, minus the high expenses. And minus cleaning up piles of dung! Another reason behind its popularity is the community. Hobby-horsers are known to be very supportive of each other, even in tournaments. Everyone’s accepted the way they are. And then there’s the final and most important reason: it’s just good fun.
How much sand was needed for the Hobbyhorse Revolution?
The main arena, constructed from scratch, required 1,200 tons of sand to be laid and protect the grass, while 100 horses -- some from Iceland -- were brought in for the event. In tournaments, some fences are as high as 1.2 meters. Hobbyhorse Revolution documentary . Finland in general have many weird hobbies/sports.
Where do wacky sports come from?
And the wacky sports all originate from the Nordic country. Yes, Finland is the uncrowned King of quirky hobbies and sports. But that doesn’t stop them from coming up with new ones. They’re latest addition to the list of weirdly fun sports: hobby horsing.
Is the hobby horse revolution slowing down?
The hobby horse revolution shows no sign of slowing down. Don’t be surprised if you come across hobby-horsers at a park near you in the near future. If it happens, now you know what they’re doing – and most importantly why.
Where did hobby horse start?
Hobbyhorsing officially started in Finland in 2012 and gained popularity across Europe and the USA soon after. The real origins of the sport are still unknown as the hobby horse community secretly thrived online for a very long time. It is classified as a real sport with over 10,000 fans in Finland, alone. In 2016, hobby horsing spread to Australia and has been flourishing there as well ever since.
What is the difference between a hobby horse and a real horse?
The only difference is that there are no real horses included. A hobby horse player has to complete different tests and obstacles showing amazing jumping and running skills to ace at hobbyhorse tournaments.
How to Make a Hobby Horse at Home?
However, not all might be in your budget. Hence, to make things more pocket-friendly yourself, you can simply learn how to make a hobby horse on your own.
What is a hobby horse competition?
By admin. Hobbyhorsing is a one of its kind, equestrian sport that is exactly what its name describes – riding with hobby horses. It involves not a real horse in action, but rather an artificial horse head (made from wood or fabric) placed on a straight stick.
How many movements are there in the hobby horse?
It consists of around 8 to 10 movements for a hobbyhorse player to complete the intermediate level which includes movements from beginners level along with extending gaits, half pass, and flying changes.
Do you have to have a hobby horse to compete?
Participants of the competition must have a presentable hobbyhorse . As a matter of fact, it is preferable to take hobbyhorses with small sticks.
Where was the first horse tournament held?
The first hobby horse tournament took place in Finland with around 10,000 participants.
What is a hobby horse?
A hobby horse (or hobby-horse) is a child's toy horse. Children played at riding a wooden hobby horse made of a straight stick with a small horse's head (of wood or stuffed fabric), and perhaps reins, attached to one end.
Who derived the word "hobby"?
Henry Spelman (d. 1641) derived the word from "hobby". Hobblers were another description of cavalry more lightly armed, and taken from the class of men rated at 15 pounds and upwards. — John Lingard, The History of England, (1819), vol. iv. chap. ii. p. 116.
What is the name of the movement that is based on a French word for hobby horse?
The artistic movement, Dada, is possibly named after a French child's word for hobby-horse.
Who said "A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an?
Samuel Johnson, Dictionary of the English Language, 1755, glosses "A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag."
What is the French word for "hobin"?
Old French had hobin or haubby, whence Modern French aubin and Italian ubino. But the Old French term is apparently adopted from English rather than vice versa. OED connects it to "the by-name Hobin, Hobby ", a variant of Robin " (compare the abbreviation Hob for Robert ).
What does "hobby horse" mean?
Since the early 19th century hobby has taken over this sense and hobby horse now usually means "a preoccupation or favourite topic". Idiomatic expressions with hobby-horse:
What does it mean when someone is on their hobby horse?
if someone is on their hobbyhorse, they are talking about a subject which they think is interesting and important, and which they talk about at any time that they can, even if other people are not interested. Don't mention tax, or Bernard'll get on his hobbyhorse again.
What is the origin of the name Robin?
1. From the Oxford Dictionary of Words Origins : Hobby (LME) in medieval times men and boys given the name Robin were sometimes known as Hobin or Hobby, in much the same way that today they might be called Bob or Bobby. This became a pet name for a pony, just as Dobbin, also from Robin, was used a carthorse.
What does "horse" mean in the hobby?
Since the early 19th century hobby has taken over this sense and hobby horse now usually means "a preoccupation or favourite topic".
What does "on one's high horse" mean?
...where as dictionary.com says, on one's high horse means behaving arrogantly and pompously. They also say the high version dates from the late 1700s, whereas the first relevant written instance of the hobby version I could find was after 1900.
What is the name of the pony in Robin?
This became a pet name for a pony, just as Dobbin, also from Robin, was used a carthorse.
When did rocking horses start?
The history of rocking horses can be traced back to the Middle Ages , when a popular children’s toy was the hobby horse – a fake horse’s head attached to a long stick. Children would place the stick between their legs and “ride” the horse around. These toys can still be found today.
Is hobby-horse one word or two?
Another meaning of hobbyhorse was "a favorite pursuit or pastime"; our modern noun hobby ("an activity that one does for pleasure when not working") was formed by shortening this word.
Why is a hobby-horse called a hobby-horse?
From the term "hobby horse" came the expression "to ride one's hobby-horse", meaning "to follow a favourite pastime", and in turn, the modern sense of the term hobby. ... The artistic movement, Dada, is possibly named after a French child's word for hobby horse.
What is a hobby-horse?
A hobby horse (or hobby-horse) is a child's toy horse. Children played at riding a wooden hobby horse made of a straight stick with a small horse's head (of wood or stuffed fabric), and perhaps reins, attached to one end. The bottom end of the stick sometimes had a small wheel or wheels attached.
Overview
Customs
The most famous traditional British hobby horses are probably those of the May Day 'Obby 'Oss festival in Padstow, Cornwall. They are made from a circular framework, tightly covered with shiny black material, carried on the shoulders of a dancer whose face is hidden by a grotesque mask attached to a tall, pointed hat. A skirt (made from the same material) hangs down from the edge of the fr…
Etymology
The word hobby is glossed by the OED as "a small or middle-sized horse; an ambling or pacing horse; a pony." The word is attested in English from the 14th century, as Middle English hobyn. Old French had hobin or haubby, whence Modern French aubin and Italian ubino. But the Old French term is apparently adopted from English rather than vice versa. OED connects it to "the by-name Hobin, Hobby", a variant of Robin" (compare the abbreviation Hob for Robert). This appears to ha…
Types of hobby horse
Hobby horses may be constructed in several different ways. The types most frequently found in the United Kingdom have been categorised as follows:
• Tourney horses are meant to look like a person riding a small horse that is wearing a long cloth coat or caparison (as seen in medieval illustrations of jousting knights at a tourney or tournament). A circular or oval frame is suspended around their waist, or chest, with a skirt draped over it han…
Cultural references
A May-Day procession including a Teaser, a Fool, and a Hobby Horse that tries to capture women under its skirts features in the climactic scenes of the 1973 British cult-horror flick The Wicker Man.
Other meanings
From the term "hobby horse" came the expression "to ride one's hobby-horse", meaning "to follow a favourite pastime", and in turn, the modern sense of the term hobby.
The term is also connected to the draisine, a forerunner of the bicycle, invented by Baron Karl von Drais. In 1818, a London coach-maker named Denis Johnso…
See also
• Hobby horse (toy)
• Hooden horse
• Dorset Ooser - an unrelated but similar custom
• Dada - An art movement based on the French word for hobby horse