Rakvere riders compete on stick horses

More than 20 riders gathered in Rakvere’s Taaravainu district on Restoration of Independence Day to compete on stick horses, ERR reported.

The participants jumped over obstacles and galloped around barrels as they competed to determine the best stick-horse riders.

Helene Kreet Palmi, who organised the event, said stick-horse riding was appealing because it could be practised in any weather and at any time, unlike riding real horses, which requires time at a stable.

Girtel Kraft, a 10-year-old from Torma in Jõgeva County, was the standout competitor, reaching the podium in all four events. She said she enjoyed jumping because she also liked real horses and jumping with them.

Kraft said she had been involved in stick-horse sport for half of her life and had tried to achieve a good time by taking shortcuts on a difficult course.

Palmi said the organisers had wanted to offer more than obstacle jumping. In the barrel event, riders had to gallop around barrels.