Background: "hobbyhorse" constructions have been around for hundreds of years and are found as a basic part of hundreds of cultures across the world (in Finland up to 10,000 participate). They range from simple stuffed sewn head on a stick to elaborately carved, realistic full riding horses (person sits atop). Some even incorporate an actual horse skull w/very realistic covering. They can be purchased from tens to hundreds of dollars. In a competition the riders perform as if riding a horse using the various gaits, and movements found in dressage.
The documentary: We follow a few girls through training & competition. You see elements of athletics in which the movements are disciplined, fluid, creative with sprints, endurance, jumps, agility. Mostly female participants, and for some their horse(s) (many have more than one) is an important source of stability, accomplishment & friendship.
Comment: It would be interesting to see how trained ballet/dance performers would perform the movements. Would have liked to see the values of athletics coached such as respect for competitors (shake hands, etc), and self discipline, responsibility & cooperative/competitive values transferring to everyday life. Some viewers might laugh at teens riding their pretend horses, but don't adults still perform and fanatically follow children's ball games (football, basketball, baseball)?
