While the world is full of commonly popular hobbies and sports like basketball or football/soccer, there are quirkier and more unique hobbies that include LARPing and, now, Hobby Horsing, which has been, by some, given the nickname vegan horseback riding.
Unless you’re a citizen of Finland or an extreme vegan, it’s unlikely that you’ll have heard of or know what vegan horseback riding is. However, the new trend seems to take compassion toward animals to a whole new level. If you know anything about Finland, then the fact that they created vegan horseback riding should come as no surprise. In contrast, if you don’t know much about Finland’s wholesome vibe, here are a few facts that will make it perfectly clear why they would come up with such an outrageous, yet PETA friendly game.
A Wholesome Game from a Wholesome Country
First, Finland is known for being the ‘happiest country in the world,’ offering its citizens numerous benefits like mandatory vacations and healthcare. Furthermore, it has a worldwide reputation for its stunning scenery, including thousands of forests, bodies of water, and islands. Perhaps the sweetest thing about the country has been a real Santa living in Lapland. Vegan horseback riding is a wholesome and fascinating take on a sport that is popular in many parts of the world. An event, which is actually known as “hobby horsing” is a competition in which participants compete in events similar to those found using real horses. However, in this case, the horses are a classic children’s toy, the hobby horse on a stick.
Hobby Horsing Gains Popularity
Incredibly, the toy has been around since the 16th century, facilitating imagination in children for hundreds of years. Finland has given the toy a whole new purpose, becoming popular for sporting events like jumping and cross-country. Riders compete, ultimately hoping to take part in a final event called the Finnish Hobby Horse Championship. It seems that men, women, and children are allowed to take part in vegan horseback riding. Moreover, the event is one that that Finland plans with “great enthusiasm”. Interestingly, those from abroad are also invited to participate in hobby horsing. As a result, it has even gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as Australia.
“This is a wonderful hobby, and those riders are super skilled athletes. And they are not doing it for “vegan”, but as a great hobby. Try yourself and stop those stupid negative comments.” Shared one person in support of the new trend.
Going Viral
Several viral videos showing the 2023 sporting events have become popular on YouTube and Instagram—amazingly, captivating many for the hilarious and entertaining games. While the games may come off as kind of silly, they do seem fun. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why they would be gaining in popularity, especially as more places in the world adopt higher standards for the treatment of animals. On the other hand, there have been plenty of people, unable to find the appeal of the game. Many have noted its quirky and bizarre nature, with one person commenting, “The psychiatric wards are missing 1500 people”, with another proclaiming, “Humanity needs a reset…enough is enough.”
Veganism refers to a way of life. In this way of life, people avoid using animals and their products for any type of personal, or financial gain. This includes a food source or a means of clothing or beauty products. Therefore, it’s an ethical game that combines a traditional game, with a traditional children’s toy for the sake of protecting animal welfare. In contrast, there is another benefit to vegan horseback riding. It’s significantly cheaper than owning a real horse. For example, paying for care and food as well as enough space to own a horse, a monthly stable fee can become quite costly, not to mention if the horse gets injured or sick. Therefore, vegan horseback riding can be enjoyed, bringing families together no matter what their financial constraints may be.
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Sources
- “The Latest Bizarre Trend Is ‘Vegan Horse Riding’, We Are Not Joking.” News18. October 7, 2023.
- “Facts About Finland.” Visit Finland.
- “Show jumping with the hobby horse.” DW
- “Weirdest 17 Things I Do as a Vegan.” No Meat Athlete. Matt Frazier
- “Vegan Horse Riding WITHOUT Any Horses Has Sparked Reactions.” Hyper Hive. Orgesta. August 16, 2023