This year marked our second appearance at the Defender Bramham Horse Trials, and we’re delighted to say we’re now (we hope!!) a permanent feature. Hobby Horse Adventures returned with a stronger setup, a growing following, and our signature custom-made ponies and jumps, ready for another packed weekend of fun, competition, and connection.

 

The weekend opened with a moment that summed up everything we love about this work. As I drove into the beautiful estate at dusk, I spotted three children paddling through a stream on their hobby horses — completely immersed in imaginative play, unaware they were creating the most picturesque welcome possible. Those same children went on to become regulars throughout the weekend. They recognised us immediately, asked to be featured on our social media (with permission), and joined nearly every session with boundless enthusiasm.

 

Across the weekend, we welcomed 375 children — from excited first-timers and returning families from last year to familiar faces from our competitions. Our ‘Have-a-Go’ sessions ran continuously, offering kids the chance to leap, weave, and canter (in spirit) around the course, all at their own pace.

 

We were so busy that we regularly ran out of ponies — a brilliant problem to have. At times, the queue was long enough that we had to wait for children to tire out and leave the course before we could let others in. We brought in extra ponies from our shop stock to keep up with demand, and they were galloping (figuratively) off the racks as quickly as we could unpack them.

 

For those who wanted a challenge, our ‘Chase Me Charlie’ rounds ran at intervals and drew a brilliant crowd. One standout performance came from a determined young rider aboard Black Beauty, who cleared progressively higher jumps with such focus that the crowd started clapping each round. The spirit of friendly competition was alive and well.

 

Despite the rain showers, our Folly-pink trade tent held firm. It became more than a shelter — it was a hub. A space for families to relax, for children to return to again and again, and for new friendships (and friendly rivalries) to form.

 

Thanks to our prime spot near the food vans and public Wi-Fi seating area, we naturally became a kind of chill-out zone for families. Parents grabbed a bite to eat, recharged, and had a sit-down while their children ran, jumped and played. It was lovely to be that little breather in the day — especially after hours spent walking the cross-country course or watching the show jumping.

 

We were also pleased to feature Shelly’s Handmade Hobby Horses on-site this year. Their beautifully crafted ponies were a hit with visitors, and several went home with new owners — wide-eyed, proudly clutching their new ride and asking when they could come to a real competition. That’s the magic of hobby horsing: sparking imagination and confidence in equal measure.

 

Behind the scenes, this event was a key moment for us. We had productive conversations with show organisers and fellow traders, and we’re hopeful this will lead to a spot on the Yorkshire agricultural and country show circuit in 2026. The interest in hobby horsing as a hands-on, family-friendly experience is clearly growing — and we’re excited to be part of that momentum.

 

We left Defender Bramham muddy, tired, and full of gratitude. Hobby Horse Adventures isn’t just about ponies and jumps — it’s about accessible play, inclusive competition, and shared joy.

 

We’re now open for bookings for the rest of 2025 and 2026. Whether it’s a country show, village event, school fair, or private celebration — if you need an activity that keeps children engaged while parents exhale for a minute, we’d love to be there.

 

Thank you to everyone who took part, supported us, or simply smiled as they walked past. We’ll see you next year, Bramham — with new ponies, more jumps, and maybe, just maybe, a few more towels.