Hobby Horse at Tryon International

Now reimagined for 2026 with free School Sessions + four featured competitions.

A girl competing in an equestrian event, jumping over a hurdle at an outdoor horse riding competition, with spectators watching nearby.
Event poster for Saturday Night Lights presented by Tryon Horse & Home, featuring free family fun including live music, kids activities, shopping, restaurants, and equestrian sports, with dates from May to October.

Join the Hobby Horse Action!

Hobby Horse is a Saturday Night Lights favorite, inviting young riders to jump in, try the course, and build confidence while having fun along the way.

Spring Competition
Summer Competition
Fall Competition
Hobby Horse Championship

  • Hobby Horse is a fun and approachable take on show jumping, where riders carry their hobby horses and navigate a course of jumps - running, jumping, and mimicking the motion of real riding in a playful way. At Tryon International, it’s a unique opportunity to be part of the action in a setting known for hosting top-level equestrian competition.

  • Open to all ages and experience levels - including adult classes. First-timers are welcome.
    Parental supervision is required for participants under 18 during both schooling sessions and competitions.

  • No registration is needed for schooling sessions - just show up and join in.
    Competitions require advance registration.

  • Schooling sessions are free to participate.
    Competition pricing will be listed when registration opens.

  • You’re welcome to bring your own, share with another competitor, or use one of ours if available.

  • Hobby Horse schooling sessions take place during every Saturday Night Lights in the grass area adjacent to the General Store.

    Our paid competitions — The North American Hobby Horse Series — will be held on:

    • May 30

    • July 4

    • September 19

    • October 24

  • Schooling sessions are not competitions - they’re relaxed, open-format sessions.
    Structured competitions are offered separately as part of the seasonal series.

  • Check signage or ask a team member during Saturday Night Lights for the Hobby Horse location and start times.

  • Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended for safety and traction.
    All Hobby Horse activities are participate-at-your-own-risk, and proper footwear helps ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

  • We’re always looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help bring Hobby Horse to life.

    Learn more and sign up on our Volunteer page, or reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Laura, at levans@tryon.com

Free Hobby Horse - Schooling Sessions

Held during Saturday Night Lights*

Jump in and be part of the action!

Our Hobby Horse schooling sessions are designed to be simple, welcoming, and easy to join — no formal competition, just time to try the course, build confidence, and have fun with other Hobby Horse enthusiast.

*Schooling sessions are not held during scheduled Hobby Horse competition dates.

A young girl wearing a pink hat and red jacket riding a small black hobby horse over a colorful obstacle in an outdoor setting.
A young girl jumping over a hurdle at a spring competition, with a crowd of spectators watching. The event is sponsored by Chick-fil-A Forest City, and the hurdle has a sign with a cow and the phrase "Eat Mor Chikin." The girl is wearing a pink cap, a white T-shirt, and shorts, holding a hobby horse as she jumps.
A girl jumping over a hurdle on a grassy field during a summer competition, with onlookers in the background and Chick-fil-A signage nearby.
A young girl in a pink hoodie jumps over an obstacle during a fall competition at an equestrian event, with signs indicating sponsor information and event officials in the background.

2026 North American Hobby Horse Series™

proudly presented by:

Chick-fil-A logo with a stylized chicken head and the text 'Chick-fil-A Forest City' in red.

Four events. One season.

For those ready for a more structured experience, our Hobby Horse Competition Series offers dedicated events throughout the year.

Logo for Horse Association of Oklahoma featuring a stylized horse head with a flowing blonde mane, surrounded by the text 'Horse Association of Oklahoma' and decorative stars.

Spring (Spring 5 | May 30) | Summer (July 4th) | Fall (Fall 1 | Sept 19)

Championship Event (Fall 6 | Oct 24)

Click the links for each Spring, Summer, and Fall competition to register.

Walk-up entries are also welcome before 4:30 PM

$20 per class, with the option to enter multiple classes.

Each event builds toward our Championship Finals — details to come.

Spring Competition
Summer Competition
Fall Competition
Hobby Horse Championship

Get updates on upcoming Hobby Horse sessions, competition dates, and Saturday Night Lights events ~ delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign Up for Updates
A young girl with brown hair and a smile holding a stuffed horse and a blue ribbon, standing outdoors at a horse riding event.
A young girl with a patriotic bow on her head, wearing a blue dress with white stars, and a ribbon that says "1st Place". She's holding a plush tiger toy in one hand and a large box of a horse-themed toy set in the other, at an outdoor event with many people in the background.
Young girl with blonde hair in braids holding a trophy or ribbon at an equestrian event, wearing a pink shirt and floral-patterned shorts, with other people and awards visible in the background.
Hobby Horse jumping during North American Hobby Horse event at Tryon International. The jump has signs reading 'LeMieux' and 'Official Supplier' with a logo and 'US Equestrian'.
Man with sunglasses, beard, and bald head jumping over a small colorful hurdle at an outdoor event, holding a hobby horse toy, with a red barn and people in the background.
Tryon International logo with stylized text and a horse head icon in dark navy blue.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

A logo featuring a stylized silver horseshoe with black dashed lines, wings extending from both sides, and text "TuffRider" beneath the design.
Chick-fil-A logo with the text 'FOREST CITY' below it.
Red rounded rectangle with the word 'schleich' in white lowercase letters.
Red rounded rectangle with the word 'schleich' in white lowercase letters.
outline of the word "LeMieux"
outline of the word "LeMieux"