How to Make a Hobby Horse (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Hobby horsing is more than just a game — it’s a creative sport that blends fun, fitness, and imagination. Whether you’re just getting started, or you’ve seen videos of kids jumping with their handmade horses, you might be wondering:

Can I make one myself?
Absolutely — and it’s easier than you think.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll show you how to make a hobby horse at home, using materials you likely already have. No need to buy an expensive one online — your DIY hobby horse will be just as fun, unique, and perfect for practice or competition.

Read More: What is Hobby Horsing? A Beginner’s Guide

Materials You Need to Make a Hobby Horse at Home

Before we start building, here’s what you’ll need:

Item	Purpose
Fabric (50×50 cm)	For the horse’s head. Use fleece, felt, or cotton.
Sewing Kit or Hot Glue Gun	To attach the fabric pieces together.
Wooden Stick (40–50 cm)	This becomes the “body” or pole of the horse.
Yarn or Wool	Used to create the horse’s mane. You can choose any color.
Stuffing (Polyfill or cotton)	To fill the horse’s head and make it soft but firm.
Scissors & Marker	To cut and trace your pattern.
Pins or Clips	To hold fabric in place while sewing.

Optional Decorations:

• Buttons for eyes
• Felt for ears or nostrils
• Decorative ribbons or bows
• A name tag or bridle (made of fabric or string)

Step 1 – Cut Out the Head and Ears

Now let’s start building! First, we’ll create the basic shape of your horse’s head. Think of this like making a soft toy — you’re going to cut out two identical shapes, one for each side of the horse’s face.

• Download or draw a simple horse head pattern.
  You can sketch your own or download a printable one (you can download from the net).

• Fold your fabric in half.
  This way, when you cut, you’ll get two matching shapes instantly.

• Trace the pattern.
  Use a washable marker or chalk to lightly outline the horse head onto your fabric.

• Cut carefully.
  Cut through both layers along the outline, making two identical pieces.

• Cut two small ear shapes.
  Use the same or a different fabric for a fun contrast.

Step 2 – Sew or Glue the Head Together

Now it’s time to connect the two sides and bring the horse head to life.

Sewing Method:

1. Place both fabric pieces together, with the patterned or “good” sides facing inward (the part that will show once turned inside out).
2. Pin around the edges, leaving the bottom (neck) open.
3. Use a simple stitch — straight or backstitch — and sew all the way around the edges. Go slowly around curves like the nose or ears.
4. Leave a 3–4 cm gap at the bottom for stuffing and the stick.

Hot Glue Method (if you’re not sewing):

1. Lay both pieces down just like above (good sides in).
2. Run a thin line of glue along the edges — not too close to the edge!
3. Press together firmly section by section.
4. Let it cool and dry fully before moving on.

Step 3 – Add the Mane and Ears

This is the fun, creative part where your horse really gets its style.

For the Mane:

1. Cut strands of yarn about 15–20 cm each.
2. You’ll need around 30–50 pieces, depending on how thick you want the mane.
3. With the horse head still inside out, place yarn strands along the top seam (where the mane should go).
4. Pin them in place, then sew or glue the yarn so it’s trapped in the seam.
5. When you flip the horse right-side out, the yarn will hang like a real mane!

For the Ears:

1. Ears usually go about halfway between the top and eye level.
2. Take the two ear shapes and fold the bottom slightly to give them shape.
3. Stitch or glue each ear to the sides of the horse head.

Read More: Hobby Horsing Equipment Gear for Beginners

Step 4 – Stuff It and Insert the Stick

Now let’s make it 3D and sturdy.

Carefully push the head through the opening to flip it right side out. You can use a chopstick or pencil to poke out the nose area fully.

Stuff It:

1. Use your fingers to fill the head with stuffing.
2. Pack it evenly — not too loose or too tight.
3. Shape the nose, cheeks, and neck so it looks natural.

Add the Stick:

1. Take a smooth wooden stick and slide it up into the neck opening.
2. Push it in deep enough so the head feels secure.
3. Fold the fabric around the stick and sew or glue it closed tightly. You can even tie a ribbon around it to make it extra strong.

Step 5 – Add Personality and Style

This is where your horse becomes your horse. You can customize your horse the way you want by adding decorative elements and then you can assign a favorite name to your hobby horse. Here are few ideas for customization.

• Eyes: Use buttons, felt, or even googly eyes.
• Nostrils: Draw or stitch little curves near the nose.
• Bridle or Halter: Use thin ribbon or lace to “dress” the horse.
• Name Tag: Make a small tag with your horse’s name — like “Blaze” or “Luna.”
• Extras: Ribbons in the mane, flowers, glitter glue accents.

Congratulations You Made It

That’s it! You’ve turned fabric and yarn into a real, rideable, loveable hobby horse. Now you can:

• Practice tricks and jumps
• Ride around with friends
• Give your horse a name and backstory
• Even start training for your first competition!