Pinhook & Hobby Horsing: The Unlikely Story of Harry Henderson, AKA The Hoof

Follow along as a documentary crew delves into the lives of Harry "The Hoof" Henderson and his two sons. Once a legendary hobby horsing champion, Harry is now retired and focused on training his sons, who, despite their dedication, don’t quite possess the star power that defined Harry in his glory days. Still, Harry remains a supportive, though occasionally tough, father as he guides them through the ups and downs of the craft. The family's journey in the world of hobby horsing reached heights they never imagined, thanks in no small part to Pinhook’s sponsorship, which provided Harry with the horsepower to become the icon he is today. 

Pinhook’s “sponsorship” of hobby horse legend, “The Hoof”, may seem like an unexpected match, but his commitment to individuality aligns perfectly with our brand’s ethos. Just as Harry’s passion drives him to break the mold, we at Pinhook could’ve chosen to follow the long-standing rulebook – to replicate the same flavor profiles year after year, after year. Obviously we did nothing of the sort. It’s this shared spirit of doing things differently that made Harry "The Hoof" an ideal choice to celebrate and support. 

The documentary stars the McFarland family, with Dan McFarland playing Harry "The Hoof" Henderson, and his real-life sons, Colin and Dylan, portraying his trainee sons.

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Hobby Horsing 101: A Unique Sport on the Rise

Hobby horsing may seem unconventional at first, but so is our vintage approach to whiskey-making. At Pinhook, we think it’s important to celebrate all those who truly ‘run their own race,’ if you will. Nobody does that more than the dedicated riders of this competitive sport. Originating from Finland, it involves participants "riding" handcrafted hobby horses while performing dressage or show jumping routines, similar to real equestrian events.

In August 2024, hobby horsing made history with the first U.S. Hobby Horse Championships, a landmark event for riders whose steeds have wooden poles instead of legs and can be stored in bedroom closets rather than traditional barn stalls¹. Competitors gathered in Michigan to demonstrate their skills in dressage, jumping, and more, proving the sport is far more challenging than it may appear.

Riders use detailed, often personalized, hobby horses and perform intricate jumps, trotting, and galloping with a focus on form. Competitions are judged on technique and artistic expression, making the sport both physically and creatively demanding.

What makes hobby horsing unique is its blend of imagination, athleticism, and craftsmanship. Many participants design and craft their own horses, adding a personal touch to their performance. This sport challenges traditional notions of athleticism while embracing self-expression and creativity, gaining attention for its inclusive and imaginative spirit.