Excitement Builds for the Hobby Horse Fun at Thoresby Park’s Spring Eventing Carnival

Hobby Horse Adventures warmly invites you to join the Spring Eventing Carnival at Thoresby Park, hosted by BEDE Events, on Saturday, 29th March, and Sunday, 30th March 2024. This much-anticipated weekend brims with imagination, athleticism, and camaraderie—perfect for everyone from die-hard hobby horse enthusiasts to curious newcomers eager to discover this uniquely engaging sport.

Hobby horsing is rapidly gaining traction worldwide, blending the physical challenge of show jumping with the spirit of playful creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a new take on equestrian competition or a family in search of an exciting day out, you’ll find something to love at the Spring Eventing Carnival.

A Weekend of Family Fun & Friendly Competition

• Dates: 29th–30th March 2024
• Location: Thoresby Park, near the Cross Country course and food vans
• Family-Friendly: Children under 14 attend free; ages 14+ require a ticket (available through BEDE Events).

The event site at Thoresby Park is known for its picturesque countryside and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for both high-level equestrian action and delightful hobby horse competitions. Pack a picnic blanket, grab your cheer squad, and settle in for two full days of laughter, friendly rivalry, and heartwarming community spirit.

Class Offerings & Pricing

All classes are available on both Saturday and Sunday, giving you the chance to refine your skills, try different events, or simply join in the fun more than once. Each competitor receives a personalized rider number to commemorate the event, plus a rosette or medal in every class, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling accomplished and celebrated.

£7 Classes

Clear Round

Practice over a series of show jumps set to your preferred height.

Perfect for newcomers or riders wanting a calm, supportive environment to build confidence.

Everyone who completes the course earns a rosette.

Includes a loan pony and access to a warm-up area (available all day).

Grand National

• Experience the thrill of racing in a group of 3–4 riders, tackling low, wide jumps at speed.
• The first, second, and third finishers each receive a medal, while all other competitors earn a well-done rosette.
• Available all day, so you can join the race whenever you’re ready.

Parents Grand National

• Parents get to race too! This follows the same high-energy format as the Grand National, letting grown-ups join in the action and share the fun.
• Available all day—don’t be shy, show the kids how it’s done!

Mounted Games

• A fun, fast-paced obstacle course designed to test speed, coordination, and horsemanship on your trusty hobby horse.
• Runs from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, with prizes awarded at 2:00 pm.
• A fantastic way to showcase agility and teamwork, whether competing with friends or meeting new ones.

£10 Classes

Show Jumping

• Tackle a course of 7 jumps at a set height, focusing on precision and technique.
• If you clear every jump without knocking a pole, you’ll proceed to a high-stakes jump-off against the clock!
• This is a great chance to emulate the excitement of professional show jumping.

Best Turned Out Hobby Horse

• Let your creativity shine by decorating your hobby horse (and yourself!) in the most imaginative way possible.
• Showcase your walk, trot, and canter in style for the judges.
• Prizes often reward flair, originality, and attention to detail—so don’t hold back on the glitter or ribbons!

Chase Me Charlie

• A single, wide jump starts at a modest height, then increases by 5cm after each successful round.
• If you knock a pole, you get a second try—miss twice, and you’re out of the running.
• Don’t forget to pick up your rosette at the end of the class! This event is a brilliant test of bravery and skill, inspiring lots of cheering and dramatic finishes.

Location & Amenities

The Spring Eventing Carnival unfolds in a dedicated area close to both the Cross Country course and a variety of food vans. Thoresby Park’s scenic surroundings add a dash of countryside charm, while vendors offering local treats ensure you stay refreshed throughout the day. Feel free to bring folding chairs, picnic blankets, and all the enthusiasm you can muster—your cheers will spur on the riders and create a fantastic atmosphere.

Beyond Hobby Horsing — More Highlights

Top-Level Equestrian Events

• Alongside the hobby horse competitions, Thoresby Park’s famous arena will host elite riders and real horses, showcasing the thrills of professional eventing.

Trade Stands & Local Crafts

• Browse an array of unique stalls offering equestrian gear, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.

Food & Refreshments

• A variety of food vans and vendors will serve tasty local fare, from hearty snacks to refreshing drinks. Enjoy a leisurely lunch while watching the show!

Interactive Activities

• With plenty of hands-on fun for children and grown-ups alike, the Spring Eventing Carnival is the perfect place for families to spend quality time together.

Professional Photography

• This year, we’re making photos super affordable—just £10 for unlimited downloads!
• On the day, simply scan our dedicated QR code to visit the photographer’s website. The images will be uploaded a day or two later, and you can then add as many pictures as you like to your basket for a single fee.
• Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you share your memories! By spreading the word, you’ll help our community grow even faster.

Qualifier Certificates & Upcoming Events

Did you know that each competitor in Hobby Horse Adventures competitions receives a qualifier certificate? If you haven’t received yours yet, let us know by filling out the contact form on our website.

(Pro tip: Add info@hobby-horses.co.uk to your safe senders list so our reply won’t land in spam!)

Upcoming Qualifying Competitions

• Sunday, 9th February – Wigan
• Monday, 17th February – Nuneaton
• Friday, 21st February – Sheffield
• Saturday & Sunday, 1st–2nd March – Visit us at the National Equine Show at the NEC in Birmingham!
• Sunday, 9th March – Newark
• Sunday, 16th March – Harrogate
• Saturday, 22nd March – Nottingham

These qualifier events are perfect opportunities to hone your hobby horsing skills before the main event at Thoresby Park. Each location offers its own local flair, so you can experience new environments, meet fellow enthusiasts, and collect your qualifier certificates along the way.

Book Your Place

To secure your spot in any of the classes, head over to our Hobby Horse Events page. We’ll have two separate adverts—one for Saturday and one for Sunday—so you can pick the date that suits you best (or attend both days!). If the links for each day aren’t yet active, you can still find general information on our events page.

Get Ready to Ride!

Whether you’re pushing for a personal best in Chase Me Charlie, showing off your creative flair in Best Turned Out, or simply cheering for friends in the Grand National, the Spring Eventing Carnival at Thoresby Park offers an unforgettable weekend of laughter, athleticism, and community spirit.

Contact & Booking

Hobby Horse Adventures

Zoë Brown
Phone: +44 (0)7889 224 677
Email: info@hobby-horses.co.uk 
Socials:

• Facebook: facebook.com/HobbyHorseAdventures
• Instagram: instagram.com/hobbyhorseadventures
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@hobbyhorseadventures24
• YouTube: youtube.com/@HobbyHorseAdventures

We will also be selling our brand new jumps off at the end of each day £115 and £180 (fancier).

Spring Eventing Carnival — BEDE Events Ltd

Address: Hawks Hill Farm, Great North Road, Rockley, Retford, Notts, DN22 0QS
Phone: +44 (0)1949 829 061
Email: info@bedeltd.co.uk
Website: thoresby-horse.co.uk

Photos & Videos

We’re committed to providing timely updates on new photos and video content. While the videos are still being reviewed for any necessary edits, rest assured that the promotional photos will go live shortly after the event. If you have specific requests or concerns about media, please reach out to us.

Mark your calendars for 29th–30th March 2024, and come be part of two days of hobby horse excitement, community spirit, and family-friendly fun at Thoresby Park’s Spring Eventing Carnival.

We can’t wait to see you there!