The Fantastical Hobbyhorse Universe in Finland
Hobbyhorse riding and competitions are a growing subculture among teenage girls in Finland, in which enthusiasts make, care for, and, of course, ride their make-believe horses. The horses -- stuffed heads on a long pole -- are painstakingly looked after, with some residing in their own makeshift stables. [...]
During the summer many girls attend summer camps around Finland where they can improve their dressage and jumping skills. [...]
For years, this practice of the Finnish subculture has been considered a secret community subjected to stigma and bullying. Many of the girls lead a double life where their practice is a big secret they don't like to share.
That's just how Finns smile.
Love this new Wet Leg video
There was a full-on documentary about the Finnish hobbyhorse movement a few years back:
Hobbyhorse revolution (IMDb)
Summary (Windmill Film)
I named my hobby horse "Perkele".
In fairness it really democratizes the horse fetish tween girls seem to have for horses, is WAY less expensive, and doesn't end up with a neglected animal stuck in a stall behind the barn.
I bet hobbyhorses aren't born looking for an expensive and impractical way to die like the real ones are.