Hobby Horse Spotlight: Teddy
Leyla Caynak for Tryon International
Teddy has been one of Tryon International’s trusty hobby horses since the very start of the North American Hobby Horse Series™, participating in every single event Saturdays in July and October. As the official “catch ride” stick horse of the American Hobby Horse Series presented by Young Rider, Teddy is ready to step in should a competitor need to borrow a hobby horse. He can be distinguished by his bright blue bridle, white blaze, chestnut body and brown mane. Teddy was kind enough to allow an interview between his busy training schedule.
Q: Teddy, what has been your most memorable hobby horse event?
A: I have most enjoyed competing in our hobby horse championships that are hosted in the Fall. My favorite event is the puissance, where the height of the jump increases after each clear ride.
Q: How do you prepare for a competition?
A: I like to sit at the check-in table and meet all the riders. I even get to meet the children that will be my partners for the competition! This helps me get in the right mindset to jump high and run fast!
Q: What competitions do you compete in?
A: I compete in all the divisions, from the 6 and under crossrails to the 13 and up 2 foot 6 inches! Jumpers is my favorite to compete in, but warming up with some flatwork really helps me!
Q: What are your strategies during your rounds?
A: Go clear and go fast! I really try to help my rider make tight turns and take longer strides in between the combinations. I also always try to have fun!
Q: What is a unique fact about you?
A: I actually have many names! Tryon calls me “Teddy”, but I actually get a new name from lots of people that choose to be my hobby horse partner! I’ve been called “Brownie,” “Lightning,” “French Fry” - you name it!
Q: What’s your favorite type of jump?
A: I love to jump oxers! The hobby horse course does not always have them, but when it does I really get some extra pep in my step! In my opinion, the wider the better!
Q: Are all hobby horses the same?
A: Whoa nelly! Us hobby horses come in a range of colors, heights, and breeds just like any other horse! I have seen blue hobby horses, unicorn hobby horses, pool noodle hobby horses, really tall and really short hobby horses! It is great to see all the different hobby horses that come out to our events.
Q: Anything you would like to add, Teddy?
A: I would like to thank Young Rider Magazine for sponsoring the North American Hobby Horse Series™. I would also like to thank Pumpkin and Daisy, Tryon International’s resident miniature mascots, for always keeping the hobby horse arena grass in top condition. Lastly, I would like to thank the parents, children and families who travel five minutes or twelve hours to make our hobby horse events a great success!
Next time you’re visiting Tryon International, be sure to stop by the hobby horse events which take place every Saturday before the Saturday Night Lights events in July and October. In order to participate in our hobby horse competitions registering in advance is required, the registration form will close at 5PM on the Friday before the event. To find out more information, click here.