How to choose the right size for a hobby horse? The complete guide

How do you choose the right size hobby horse for you ?

Do you want to gallop, jump, create awesome choreographies, or just have fun with your hobby horse? Then pick the right size! It’s important so you can feel comfortable, fast, and stylish in every move. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the perfect stick horse for you!

Why is the size of your hobby horse important ?

If your hobby horse is too small, you risk not being able to hold it properly. If it's too big for your age, it can be difficult to handle.
With the right size, you'll be able to:
• gallop more easily,
•    to jump without feeling embarrassed (or without feeling self‑conscious)
• perform fluid movements,
• and above all… have a blast !

What size hobby horse is right for you?

According to your age, here are the ideal sizes:
Under 5 years old: Rolling hobby horse size S, or mini hobby horse
Ages 6–9: Size M (A4) or size L (A3) hobby horse
10 years and up: Size L (A3) hobby horse
Teens or adults: Size L or size XL hobby horse

If you’re between 6 and 9 years old, you can choose a size L (A3) hobby horse even if you’re just starting out. It’s a bit bigger, but you’ll be able to keep it longer and use it for lots of different activities!
For example, the hobby horse Sundance comes in size A3 — it’s perfect for your training sessions or for putting on a show!

What do the sizes A5, A4 and A3 mean ?

The sizes A5, A4 and A3 are used to indicate the size of the hobby horse's head. It's a bit like the paper sizes at school:
• Hobby horse A5: small modelcorresponding to size S
• Hobby horse A4: medium — corresponds to a size M
• Hobby horse A3: large— corresponds to a size L
• Hobby horse A3+: very large — equivalent to an XL size.
 


Here is an image that illustrates the proportions of hobby horses of different sizes.

The A3 size is the most commonly used by children and female riders who take part in hobby horsing.
Discover all our A3-sized hobby horses if you want a stylish, realistic, and very complete model.

Why choosing an A3-size hobby horse is a great idea?

Even if you're not a teenager yet, the size of hobby horse A3 It is often the best choice. Here's why:
• This is the size most commonly used in competitions.
You'll more easily find matching accessories (halters, ear bonnets, ribbons...)
• It looks more like a real horse, with a beautiful, well-proportioned head.
It's more elegant, especially as you grow.
• You can keep it for a long time, even after you’ve grown up or if you want to get better.

⚠️ A hobby horse that's too small, especially if you're already tall, isn't very practical. It can look a bit "ridiculous" in competition or on video… and you may have trouble keeping it between your legs when you make wide movements like running, galloping, or jumping, for example.

 
Rolling hobby horses: for the little ones

If you're under 5 years old, you can start with a hobby horse on wheels. It often has:
• a big funny head,
• A long stick with a small wheel at the end that touches the ground,
• and two handles on each side so that you can hold it securely.
It's perfect for some gentle fun at home.
But when you want to start galloping, jumping, or doing tricks while running, it's better to switch to a model without a caster — one that's lighter and more maneuverable.
 

The stick: neither too long nor too short !

You know what? The length of the stick on your hobby horse is almost as important as the head. It needs to be long enough to pass between your legs... and to stick out a bit behind you when you're holding it.
From age 6, the right length is between 34 and 40 cm.

A stick that's too short:
• tap your legs,
• prevents you from running or jumping well,
• and makes it difficult for you to maintain a good position.
  

What size for which discipline ?

The ideal size depending on what you want to do:
• Jump over obstacles: Size L (A3) or M (A4)
• Do dressage: Size L (A3) or M (A4)
• Play at home: All sizes fit
• Create a show: In your own style !

If you want to jump like a pro, check out Stormy, our black Thoroughbred with a complimentary golden ribbon ✨
 

And what about the accessories ?

Want to customize your hobby horse? Don’t forget that the horse’s size also changes the size of its accessories.
On HobbyHorseLand.com, you’ll find:
• gorgeous halters and lead ropes,
• cute fly bonnets for hobby horses,
• tons of fun accessories like colorful rosettes to reward your horse, stables and boxes, grooming tools...
• and everything you need to brush and style its beautiful mane with love!
 

Still hesitating? We're here to help !

Still don't know which model to choose? No worries !
You can write to us directly. Here

In short: which size is right for you ?

Recommended size based on your age:
Under 5 years old: wheeled hobby horse or mini hobby horse

• 6 to 9 years old Size M (A4) or L (A3)
• 10 years and up Size L (A3)
• Jump / figures Size L (A3 or XL)
• Cosplay / fun — Use your imagination !