How to make your own hobby horse - a stick horse

Hobby horses, or horses on sticks, are a wonderful toy that's becoming increasingly popular among children, especially girls fascinated by horse riding. Learn how to make your own hobby horses, which can become not only a favorite toy but also a fun and simple creative project for younger children .

• Fluffy sock
• Two large buttons
• Filling, e.g. fabric scraps or cotton wool
• Ribbons or yarn
• Needle and thread
• Ribbon or string for reins
• Decorations such as bows
• Scissors

How to make a hobby horse?

The easiest way to make a horse on a stick, and a perfect simple craft project for young children, is to use a sock . Choose a thick, fluffy sock in a natural color (e.g., brown) if you want to create a more natural, realistic style. You can also consider a more imaginative toy, such as a unicorn. In this case, choose a colorful sock, for example, purple, or one with colorful stripes or glittery thread. The sock will give the horse's head the right shape, making the project sewing-free.

How to make a hobby horse head yourself?

Fill the chosen sock with soft material. You can choose scraps of fabric, wadding, felt, or purchase stuffing for stuffed animals at a craft store. After stuffing the head, tie the open end of the sock with an elastic band or ribbon .

How to make a bridle for a hobby horse?

Now all you have to do is decorate the horse's head according to your imagination . Note: Depending on the stuffing and the sock, it may be easier to decorate it before stuffing.

To create a beautiful horse, we sew on eyes, which we'll create from large buttons, and shaped ears from felt. The next step is creating the mane. We can let our imagination run wild and use a variety of materials, from natural-colored yarn to glitter and lace ribbons. It all depends on your imagination. The horse can be more realistic or more fairy-tale-like.

Finally, you'll need to make the reins. You can make them from decorative string or ribbon. Simply glue them to the sock with strong glue. If you'd like, add additional embellishments like sequins, stars, or glitter . During play, encourage your child to decorate their own horse. This will help them develop their creativity and give them a sense of satisfaction from making their own toy.

Attaching the horse to the pole

The hobby horse also needs a neck that your child can grab while playing. You can use an interesting stick found in the forest for this purpose or purchase a short broom handle from a hardware store. The stick can be attached to the sock with a strong rubber band or string . The connection point can be decorated with a ribbon bow.

Fun with a hobby horse - ideas for playing with a horse on a stick

A ready-made hobby horse opens up a multitude of fun possibilities for children :

• Races and competitions: Children can organize races, show jumping or dressage shows, while developing motor coordination and imagination.

• Creative scenarios: Creating stories about your horse's adventures, role-playing or reenacting fairy tales.

• Learning responsibility: Taking care of a "pet", combing its mane, and taking care of its appearance teach care and responsibility.

Playing with a hobby horse is also a great opportunity to integrate with peers and organize joint competitions and shows.

Also check out the post about active play with colors !