Hobby horse revolution (2017)

Directed by: Selma Vilhunen | 88 minutes | documentary

In Finland they have strange hobbies to say the least. Reindeer racing and swimming in ice water, we can imagine something like that. But the Scandinavians also like to sit with their bare buttocks on an ant nest (!). In addition, the Finns organize world championships in a number of special sports. How about women wearing, cell phone throwing, berry picking, playing air guitar or mud football? Another special activity has been emerging among adolescent girls and young women in recent years: hobby horse riding. A complete course is covered; with obstacles or dressage. It therefore resembles regular equestrian sport, except that no (real) horse is involved and the rider has to make the movements and jumps herself, while holding a stick with a cloth horse’s head stuck on it between her legs. It sounds laughable and at first you wonder how seriously you should take this. However, after seeing the documentary ‘Hobbyhorse Revolution’ (2017) by Selma Vilhunen, you understand how important hobby horse riding is for many young girls, especially those in the vulnerable groups.

The film follows three teenage girls who have found their footing in hobby horse riding. Alisa Aarniomaki is the oldest of the three. She is considered one of the pioneers in the sport. Due to an injury, she can no longer actively drive herself, but that does not stop her from promoting her sport. She has been posting videos on social media since 2012; partly because of this, the number of people with this hobby has risen from around a hundred to more than ten thousand. Alisa is now planning to organize a manifestation in the center of Helsinki. People need to see that ‘hobby horse racing’ is not just a hobby, but a symbol of girl power. Because even in Finland the sport is by no means accepted or understood by everyone. Many girls are ashamed of their hobby or are bullied for it. Like Elsa Salo, the second girl who has a central role in the film. She was bullied so much that she became depressed. Thanks to hobby horse riding she has plenty of social contacts, she gets outside and can be herself. Groups of girls regularly get together to train together. A lot of care goes into their hobby. The horse heads are almost all homemade, the mane is brushed and names and breeds are made up. There is even serious trading taking place. During matches it is blood fanatic. In addition to athleticism, it is also about coordination, balance, elegance and dedication. And the girls do want to be judged fairly.

“Stick riding has a strong therapeutic function,” emphasizes Alisa. Young people who have problems find support, peace and balance. The best example of this can be seen in Mariam ‘Aisku’ Njie, the third leading actress in the film. If she is not busy with her hobby horses, she soon falls into old habits. In her case that means: running away from home, hanging out with the wrong friends. The hobby horses give her peace, stability and purpose in her life. If she doesn’t participate in competitions herself, she coaches others. ‘Hobbyhorse Revolution’ holds up a mirror to the viewer: don’t judge too quickly. Hobby horse riding may look strange and childish, but there’s a lot more to it than you think. Selma Vilhunen also initially had to laugh when she saw a video for the first time. But that entertainment soon turned into fascination: she was overwhelmed by the dedication of the girls and the intensity with which they experience their sport. That’s exactly how you experience it when you watch her film. She quickly lets you get over your skepticism, especially by letting the girls tell you more about their background, and the role their hobby plays in taking back control of their lives.

In addition, you understand why it is so important for them to remove the stigma associated with hobby horse riding. Thanks in part to this successful documentary, which shows the girls and their sport in a dignified and honest way, they are well on their way to achieving their goal; After Finland, hobby horse racing is now also on the rise in Sweden, Germany and France.