#177 - What happens when childhood play transforms into serious sport? In this eye-opening conversation, we saddle up with Kht Shetty, a 20-year-old Polish hobby horse competitor and coach who's redefining what it means to "horse around."
Hobby horsing—a sport where participants jump obstacles up to 1.3 meters high while carrying handcrafted stick horses—combines athletic prowess, creative craftsmanship, and equestrian rules into something truly unique. Shetty walks us through this fascinating world, from its Scandinavian origins to the international competitions she now hosts. With remarkable maturity, she explains how the sport mirrors traditional equestrian events like show jumping and dressage, requiring serious training and physical preparation.
What's particularly striking about Shetty's journey is her resilience in the face of online criticism. Despite facing cruel comments and even death threats simply for participating in this harmless activity, she remains focused on nurturing the community, especially younger hobbyists who look up to her. The moment she realized her impact—when children lined up for her autograph at a Czech Republic event—stands as a powerful testament to how seemingly niche pursuits can create meaningful connections.
Beyond the jumps and competitions, hobby horsing has provided Shetty with entrepreneurial opportunities, leadership skills, and a global community. Her story challenges our assumptions about play and sport while demonstrating how passion, when pursued authentically, can transform both individual lives and communities. Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or simply curious about unconventional paths, this conversation will have you reconsidering the power of play in our lives.
Ready to see hobby horsing in action? Follow Shetty on Instagram @kht_shetty and discover this remarkable sport for yourself!
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