Fifteen-year-old Linda, known to most of the community as kht._.linduse, is a versatile athlete with a big heart. In addition to hobby horsing, she practices classical riding and has her own horse. In winter, she enjoys skiing, and she runs canicross with her dog. She got into hobby horsing three years ago and has since managed to collect an incredible 150 rosettes, represent the Czech Republic at international competitions in Finland and Poland, and recently pass her coaching exams.
Today, Linda's biggest goal is to help younger riders develop and pass on her experience. For her, hobby horsing is not just about collecting trophies, but primarily about a great group of friends and mutual support.
What does her training routine look like? What did the coaching exams entail, what is it like to have her own fan club on social media, and what message does she have for everyone starting this sport? You will find out all this in our new interview.
Photo source: kht._.linduse
Our traditional opening question for every interview is: What led you to hobby horsing and how long have you been involved in this sport?
A friend introduced me to hobby horsing, but even before I met her, I saw a few videos on YouTube and really wanted to try it. I've been doing hobby horsing for 3 years.
What is the magic of this sport for you, and why should others try it?
Mainly because of the people in this community and the support they can give you, and people should try it to realize how demanding and difficult this sport is.
You are known on Instagram as kht..linduse. An attentive follower will soon come across other profiles with names like "kht..linduse._.fp". What is it like to be involved in hobby horsing and have your own fan page?
It's beautiful... I love everyone who likes me, and I really enjoy supporting them in it. ❤️🩹
Besides hobby horsing, you also do classical riding. You are one of the proofs that hobby horsing is not a substitute for those who cannot afford their own horse. What advantages do you see in hobby horsing compared to classical riding?
I can do it anywhere and whenever I want, and it's less financially demanding, and of course, less time-consuming.
You are an active sportswoman and regularly participate in national and international competitions. What is it like to represent the Czech Republic in international competitions?
It's a lot of stress and responsibility, but also something you can always look back on and say: this is why I keep pushing.
Photo source: kht._.linduse
What has been your biggest competition experience so far?
Probably when I was very scared of the showjumping course in Finland, and then I rode it as best as I could and knew I gave it my all.
Do you have a specific discipline you specialize in, or are you more of a versatile rider and compete in everything?
I enjoy dressage the most, but sometimes I also jump some higher showjumping courses.
What was it like for you to compete at the European Championship?
It was interesting, but I think it would have made a bigger impression on me if I had been outside the Czech Republic.
Could you tell us more about the pair dressage competition discipline? Is it hard to coordinate with your partner or even find time to train together?
Both, but the difficulty is that in pair dressage, you focus mainly on the pair, and not on how you yourself are riding.
What would you like to achieve further in your sporting career? What are your goals?
My biggest goal is to train younger riders and help them improve. ❤️🩹
Could you describe your training routine? What do you do to stay in shape and keep improving?
I go running and train often, but not for too long.
Photo source: kht._.linduse
You recently successfully passed your coaching exams. What was that like for you, and what did the coaching course entail?
It covered all the basics of dressage, as well as ideas for games with children and how to communicate with them in general, etc... And it was really nice.
What are your plans as a coach? Would you like to lead your own club?
I'd like to go to various training camps and be a leader in the summer. And in time, I might consider that.
Can you tell us how many rosettes and trophies you have collected during your competition career? Which of all those awards is your favorite?
Around 150 rosettes and about 20-25 trophies. My favorite is the one from Germany, where I won first place in pair dressage.
How many hobby horses do you have stabled in your stable? Do you have specific hobby horses designated for specific disciplines?
I have 4, one I use for showjumping, another for dressage, and the others are more for recreation.
Summer has just ended, but during it, a number of hobby horsing camps took place, bringing with them many unforgettable experiences. What is it like to be at such a camp?
It was great, and at one of them, I was a leader for the youngest children, so it was a super experience and adventure.
Photo source: kht._.linduse
Do you have any truly crazy hobby horsing experience you'd like to share with us?
Oh, probably when we all had fun in Finland – Beroun, CHHA, and the Association.
During the time you've been involved in hobby horsing, how has the public's perception of this sport changed, and within the community itself? Do you see any shift?
I see some differences, but now a lot of smaller girls have joined social media and post about how they run in meadows, etc... And people perceive that a bit differently than at the beginning, when there weren't many people starting on social media and they didn't see it. But on the other hand, now they also see the other side of hobby horsing – the more sporty side, which also wasn't very present before.
What would you say to those who would like to pursue hobby horsing but are afraid of their surroundings' reactions?
Don't be afraid to show your true self... The most important thing is to absolutely not listen to what others say and only work on yourself.
How do you personally deal with people's reactions to your involvement in hobby horsing? What helps you?
I don't react to reactions and don't respond to them, I don't read comments, because if I did, I would go crazy from it.
Would you like to add anything else or send a message at the end of our interview?
I guess just that even the best of us were once like you, starting out, and we've all experienced the path you're on now... So never give up if you want something! ❤️🩹