From Backyard Fun to National Champion: Barbora’s Hobby Horse Journey
Barbora Němcová, now 19, discovered a passion that would take her from a quiet lockdown afternoon to national and international acclaim. It all began in 2021, a time when COVID-19 restrictions meant many teenagers were confined to their homes. Barbora, then 14, found herself scrolling through YouTube, a familiar escape route. Her lifelong fascination with horses, nurtured by childhood rides on a friend’s pony, was her constant companion.
One afternoon, an unexpected video popped up: the Finnish Hobby Horse Championships. What unfolded on her screen was a revelation. Riders, clutching intricately crafted hobby horses with stick bodies and detailed heads, were fiercely competing in events that mirrored traditional equestrian sports. The sheer dedication and athleticism on display left Barbora stunned. “People actually do this as a sport?” she marvelled, a seed of inspiration planted.
Barbora was no stranger to athletic pursuits. She excelled at running, long jump, and hurdles, even constructing her own wooden hurdles with her dad for backyard practice. The sight of the hobby horse riders, their agility and precision, resonated deeply with her athletic spirit. It was a perfect fusion of her love for horses and her competitive drive.
“Can I buy some fabric to make a hobby horse?” she tentatively asked her mother. The initial response was discouraging. “No, you’ll get bullied,” her mum warned, perhaps anticipating the judgment that often accompanies unconventional interests. However, Barbora’s earnest desire to try this unique sport eventually won her mother over.
Following an online tutorial, Barbora created her first hobby horse, a warm brown creation she named Chestnut. Her backyard transformed into an enchanted forest as she practiced, leaping over hurdles and boxes, her imagination soaring with every jump. The sport offered a thrilling outlet, blending her passion for horses with her athletic capabilities. Soon, her ambitions grew, leading her to construct higher hurdles and craft more horses.
The journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Not everyone embraced Barbora’s new hobby. Some friends drifted away, leaving her feeling isolated. In an attempt to connect and find support, she began sharing videos of her practice sessions online. While some viewers offered encouraging comments about her horses and skill, the majority of the feedback was dishearteningly negative.
“No guy would ever want to be with someone as useless as you,” one particularly cruel comment read. Others cruelly suggested she was “what is wrong with society,” and some even urged her to end her life simply for pursuing an unusual sport. These toxic remarks, often from anonymous trolls, were a stark contrast to the supportive environment she craved.
Rising Above the Noise: Competition and Records
The relentless negativity could have easily crushed Barbora’s spirit. Instead, she channelled her energy into the sport itself, using it as a shield against the online vitriol. Her focus shifted towards competition, a more constructive arena for her talents.
In 2023, at the age of 16, Barbora entered the national hobby horse championship. Her dedication paid off spectacularly as she cleared a 134cm jump, setting a new national record for her age group. The following year, she surpassed her own achievement, adding another 2cm to her record.
The hobby horse community proved to be a stark contrast to the online trolls. Other riders were incredibly encouraging, admiring her discipline and commitment. “You’ll go far,” they’d tell her, words of affirmation that provided a much-needed boost after the constant negativity she had endured.
Barbora continued to break records. In 2025, she represented her country at the International Hobby Horse Championship held in Slovakia, securing an impressive second place in her age category. Undeterred by past criticism, she continued to share her progress online, steadily amassing a significant following.
Inspiring a New Generation
The impact of her dedication extended beyond personal achievement. After each competition, young girls would approach Barbora, eager for photos and inspired by her journey. “I took up hobby horsing because of you,” they would exclaim, a testament to the positive influence she had become. This feedback was profoundly rewarding, validating her perseverance.
Today, Barbora has cultivated a strong circle of friends who share her passion for hobby horsing, including her best mate, Eliška. At just 19, she has transitioned into a coaching role, sharing her expertise with aspiring riders. Her talent for crafting these unique horses has also found a market, with over 150 handmade hobby horses sold online.
She still holds the national record, her impressive 144cm jump a symbol of her unwavering commitment. The feeling of being mid-air, with nothing but her and her hobby horse in existence, is described by Barbora as incredibly freeing.
Despite the “neigh-sayers” who tried to discourage her, Barbora Němcová has truly taken the reins of her life. She has galloped past adversity and achieved remarkable success, proving that passion, dedication, and a touch of courage can lead to extraordinary victories.
