Meet our talented JUHI ambassador, Nina! She started Hobby Horsing at the age of six and has been collecting successes ever since – she has over 30 ribbons and has even participated in the regional championship. In our interview, she revealed her favorite disciplines, how many hobby horses she has in her stable, and what her ideal competition partner looks like.
What led you to Hobby Horsing and what do you enjoy most about it?
At the sports field, I saw a display case with a flyer for a Hobby Horsing training session. It seemed interesting, so I looked into it more. Then I saw that it was for ages 8 and up, but I was only 6. We went to watch a training session and asked if I could still join. And luckily, they took me! What I enjoy most about Hobby Horsing is its versatility – jumping and dressage – and being able to give my all. I also like that I can implement my own ideas when sewing hobby horses and making accessories.
Are you a member of a Hobby Horsing club, do you attend a training group, or do you mainly train alone?
I mainly train alone and am part of HHLVNRW (the Hobby Horsing Association in North Rhine-Westphalia). Once a week, I also go to another Hobby Horse group, but that's more for fun. I learned most things on my own from videos (my great role model is Nele from Hobbyhorsing.de) or by observing at competitions.
Do you regularly participate in competitions? What is your favorite discipline?
I regularly participate in competitions, and my favorite disciplines are timed jumping and puissance jumping.
What do you consider your biggest achievement so far, and what else would you like to achieve in Hobby Horsing? For example, would you like to be the European champion?
My biggest achievements are 3rd place in the timed show jumping in class S (70 cm), a win in puissance jumping, and 2nd place in dressage class M.
Are there many children in Germany who do Hobby Horsing? Do you have a lot of competition at events?
There are many children and a lot of competition, but I've managed to win several times in show jumping, dressage, and cross-country.
How many ribbons, trophies, and other awards have you collected so far, and which one is your favorite?
There haven't been any trophies at competitions yet. I have one gold medal, a total of about 36 ribbons (17 of which are gold), and I also won a laurel wreath.
What has been your greatest experience in Hobby Horsing so far? Will you share it with us?
My greatest experience is going to the NRW regional championship. It was also a great experience when we were on vacation at a riding stable, and I showed and taught our sport to two people with disabilities. It was so beautiful to see how much joy it brought them.
You are a brand ambassador for JUHI – what is that like for you?
I thought it was super cool, and I was very proud when I found out. I couldn't have wished for a better brand as a sponsor.
Can you tell us how many hobby horses you have in your stable and what their names are?
I have 11 Hobby Horses in my stable. Their names are: Ultramaus D, Kitty, Déjà-Vu, Kielshoop Major Tom, Stern, Knuddel, Bella, Bellamie, Condor, Lotti, and Emma. And then a few more that I haven't finished sewing yet...
Do you take all of them to competitions, or just some?
Just some.
Do you have a specific hobby horse for a specific discipline?
I use Ultramaus D for style jumping, Kitty for timed jumping, and Déjà-Vu, Kielshoop Major Tom, and Stern for dressage.
Do you train with your hobby horses and go to competitions... do you also take them on vacation or spend time with them in other ways? For example, braiding their manes?
I love braiding manes and do it often, and at least one hobby horse always comes with me on vacation.
Which JUHI items and which specific Hobby Horses do you like the most?
Of the hobby horses, I like Wild Spirit the most as a sport pony (just like my Ultramaus D), among the cooler rugs I like the Germany set the most, and above all, I love JUHI's ear bonnets.
What would you recommend to other children and why?
I would recommend a sport pony to other children because it's small, light, and you can do anything with it. Ideally with a detachable stick, because then it's very compact. But honestly, all JUHI products are great!
Would you like to send a message to children who also want to do Hobby Horsing but are afraid of how others might react?
Don't let it affect you! This sport is amazing and definitely better than running after a ball just to kick it again. Plus, it's a very demanding sport.
Would you like to add anything else at the end of the interview?
I think it's great that there's an opportunity for people to sew accessories for Hobby Horses and to succeed and grow with this brand.