Hobby Horse at Tryon International

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

Event poster for Saturday Night Lights, a free family fun event at Tryon Horse & Home, featuring live music, kids activities, shopping, restaurants, and equestrian sport. The event runs from May to October.

A young girl in a white shirt and black shorts is riding a small horse over an obstacle during an outdoor equestrian show. Behind her, a crowd of spectators watches, some wearing sunglasses. The scene takes place in a grassy area with trees and a bright sky overhead.

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.

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 School Sessions and competitions.
No registration is needed for School Sessions - just show up and join in.
Competitions require advance registration.
School 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.
Item description
School 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.

Free Hobby Horse - School Sessions

Held during Saturday Night Lights*

Jump in and be part of the action!

Our Hobby Horse School 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.

*School Sessions are not held during scheduled Hobby Horse competition dates.

Young girl with blonde hair wearing a pink cap and red jacket jumping over a small cheerleading hurdle with Chick-fil-A signage on it.

Young girl jumping over a hurdle during a spring competition at Chick-fil-A Forest City, with an audience watching and trees in the background.

A young girl participating in an outdoor summer competition, riding a hobby horse over a jump, with spectators in the background and Chick-fil-A banners nearby.

A woman in a pink hoodie participating in an equestrian jumping competition, mid-air over a hurdle, at dusk, with signs reading "LeMieux" and "Official US Equestrian Supplier" nearby.

2026 Hobby Horse Competition Series

Four events. One season.

For those ready for a more structured experience, our Hobby Horse Competition Series offers dedicated events throughout the year — with more time on course and a focused competition format.

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 Winterfest Finals — details to come.

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

Sign Up for Updates

Young girl smiling outdoors holding a hobby horse and a blue ribbon prize, with people and cars in the background.

Young girl dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue at an outdoor event, holding a toy tiger, a first place ribbon, and a colorful picture of horses.

A young girl with braided blonde hair holding a prize ribbon at an equestrian event.

A young girl riding a small horse over an obstacle at an outdoor equestrian event, with signs indicating official approval from US Equestrian.

A man with a shaved head, sunglasses, and a beard is jumping over a hurdle at an outdoor event, holding a stick with a plush horse head, wearing casual clothing and sneakers.