Chicago Hobby Horse Events
Chicagoland Hobby Horse Events at SOUL Harbour Ranch (Barrington, IL)
We love introducing Hobby Horse enthusiasts to this fun equestrian-themed sport! We welcome both new and experienced Hobby Horse enthusiasts at our Hobby Horse Showcase and Hobby Horse Competition events.
Hobby Horse Showcase: This event features “riders” who will complete a course of jumps with their hobby horse (a toy horse made of a straight stick with a small horse's head, or any other animal head, attached to one end). The Showcase is divided into the following events which ALL riders will participate in: the Fun Jump, Showjumping (mini, junior, senior), Barrel Racing and the High Jump.We want participants to have fun and to show off their beautiful horses, as well as their incredible hobby horse skills, at our Hobby Horse Showcases. While we do time the showjumping and barrel racing events for personal use, this is not a competition. Participation ribbons are given to all riders. ALL AGES are welcome to participate.
Hobby Horse Competition/Championship:This is a competitive show, with ribbons awarded to the fastest times without faults or going off course, as well as the highest jump. The Competition/Championship is divided into the following events which ALL riders will participate in: the Fun Jump, Showjumping (mini, junior, senior), Barrel Racing and the High Jump. Of course, we want participants to show off their beautiful horses and fabulous hobby horse skills. Please note that even though this is a competition, we have several age and height categories so new or inexperienced riders are also welcome to participate.
We expect good sportsmanship from all participants and guests. We are providing a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for Hobby Horse enthusiasts. We will not tolerate any bullying or ridiculing of our participants while they enjoy the sport that they love. We ask that all participants and guests abide by all rules set forth by SOUL Harbour Ranch.
#bekind #respect #justsaywhoatobullying #sharingofunconditionallove
NEXT EVENT: SUMMER HOBBY HORSE SHOWCASE
DATE: Saturday, June 20, 2026
TIME: 12:30pm-3:30pm (Registration starts at 12:30 until 1:00am. The Fun Jump practice session is also during this time!) *please do not arrive at SOUL Harbour Ranch earlier than 12:15pm as we are setting up and getting our event ready!
LOCATION: SOUL Harbour Ranch, 22093 N. Countryside Lane, Barrington IL (parking: go past the house to the cul-de-sac, left down the driveway to the barns, past the 2nd barn/training center and left towards the parking lot, on the North side of the large arena building/training center). *Parking is tight so please carpool with family and friends who are coming to watch.
COST:
Participants + 1 nonparticipating Guest: $15 (includes 4 events: fun jump, showjumping, barrel racing and high jump).
Guests: $5 per person
MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS 55 RIDERS REGISTERED. *NO WALK-INS AND NO WAITLIST. ONLY PAID PARTICIPANTS MAY PRACTICE AND PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS. * Under 16 must be supervised by parents and/or guardians on-site.
* 100% of the event proceeds benefit the all-volunteer nonprofit SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program.
*Please bring your own chairs as we have very limited seating.
*DOGS OR OTHER ANIMALS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE PREMISES.
*Please note, start times are approximate
REGISTRATION STARTS AT 12:30pm
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Registration & Fun Jump 12:30pm-1:00pm (ALL ages): not timed, just have fun jumping the course! Use as your practice round before the below events.
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Group Jumping of the Course 1:00pm-1:15pm: all riders will be mentored on the course and jump as a group
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Showjumping 1:15pm-2:15pm *choose 1 division you would like to be in
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Mini Showjumping (poles are on the ground) 5 & under
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Junior Showjumping (poles at 1 foot) 12 & under; 13 & older
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Senior Showjumping (poles at 2 feet) 12 & under; 13 & older
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4. Barrel racing 2:15pm-2:55pm: ALL riders participate in an exhilarating Western contest racing the barrels, racing as fast as you can around the 3 barrels (R barrel, L barrel, far barrel then race on home). 12 & under, 13 & older
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5. Mini horse jumping demonstration
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6. High Jump 3:00pm-3:30pm: ALL riders will be able to participate in the High Jump Competition! (up to 3 feet+) All riders will line up as we start the jumps out low, increasing the height until the last rider who has cleared the highest jump is left standing. 12 & under, 13 & older
Riders can wear Derby or riding attire or dress in whatever they deem appropriate. Must jump with a horse.
RAFFLE: we will be raffling off a 2-hour private Hobby Horse visit at SOUL Harbour Ranch for the winner with a total of10 closest family members or friends. Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20. You can buy your tickets here at Eventbrite or purchase tickets the day of the HH Showcase.
Hobby Horse Vendors: $25 donation to SOUL Harbour Ranch nonprofit. Maximum 5. We will rotate vendors. Priority given to participants. If interested please reach out to Jodie at www.soulharbourranchranch.org/contact-us
For more about SOUL Harbour Ranch or to contact us with questions, www.soulharbourranch.org
Waiver of Liability: At registration, ALL attendees (parents, guardians, participants, guests) acknowledge and understand that they release SOUL Harbour Ranch and the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program from all liability and agree to it voluntarily. Participants and guests agree to all rules deemed by the SOUL Harbour Ranch Animal Therapy Program.
For more about SOUL Harbour Ranch or to contact us with questions, www.soulharbourranch.org
Hobby Horse Showcase sports apparel is available at www.bonfire.com
PHOTO ALBUMS OF PAST EVENTS (CLICK ON LINKS BELOW)
March 2026 Hobby Horse Showcase
Dec 2025 Creekwood Cup Competition
Sept 2025 Hobby Horse Showcase
March 2025 Hobby Horse Showcase
December 2024 Hobby Horse Showcase
August 2024 Hobby Horse Showcase
HOW WE HAVE GROWN: From May 2024 to CURRENT (plus "Never too old to Hobby Horse!")
