Where Did the Term ‘Hobby Horse’ Come From?
For centuries now, children have loved riding toy hobby horses. But where did the term “hobby horse” originally come from? Answer our Just-for-Fun Trivia question.

lotosfoto/Adobe Stock Images

The “hobby” in hobby horse came from the name of…

A) a 15th century toy shop.

B) a type of gentle Irish horse.

C) the toy’s inventor.

Please scroll down for the answer.

Keep scrolling.

Just a bit more…

Almost there…

(Honest! Keep going.)

ANSWER: B is correct. The “hobby” in hobby horse comes from a type of smooth-gaited Irish horse popular in England in the 1400s. These gentle mounts were known as “hobbies,” and the term became associated with the smooth-rocking children’s toy.

Wanting to buy the *perfect* rocking horse? Check out Happy Trails Haley Horse Ride On

Products we feature have been selected by our editorial staff. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission. For more information click here

[RELATED: Just how many different breeds of horse *are* there today?]

LIKE TRIVIA? Sign up for The Ride, Horse&Rider’s free newsletter, which brings you educational trivia questions (plus a wealth of other great information) weekly, as well as daily tips and just-for-fun trivia questions.

Share
CATEGORIES
TAGS
Related Articles
5F2A0063-Edit-Edit-Edit (1)
A Cowgirl Christmas
Christmas At The Barn
Wyoming Cowgirl
5 New Year's Resolutions Your Horse Will Love In 2025
5F2A0063-Edit-Edit-Edit
How Do You Celebrate the Holidays With Your Horse?
H&R Monthly 1224 cover
Peek Inside for Performance Horse Tips
H&R Monthly Volume 44 | Maintain Your Performance Horse
Newsletter
Receive news and promotions for Horse & Rider and other Equine Network offers.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.