Sophiabulous Venneri ’26
After much anticipation, the sport of hobby horsing will finally make its debut at the Episcopal Academy this fall. Athletic Director Todd Fairlie recently announced that hobby horsing will become an official sport in the fall of 2025, just in time to participate in the highly celebrated EA/AIS/Haverford weekend.
Known for its fast-paced action and physical demands, hobby horsing is a sport that requires agility and endurance. The big question is: Will the EA community rise to the challenge? David Sigel certainly believes so. He is thrilled to step into the role of head coach for this exciting inaugural season.
Photo courtesy of @mpfriarsathletics
“With every other school in the Inter-Ac offering hobby horsing, it was a necessary addition,” explained Fairlie. “We couldn’t afford to fall behind, so we decided it was time to add hobby horsing to our athletics program.”
A proposal is currently underway to tear down the library and turn it into a state-of-the-art hobby horsing arena, abundant with hurdles and jumping stations. “We are also planning to update our gym and strength training facilities so our hobby horsing athletes can train at the highest level,” continued Fairlie.
Hobby horsing won’t be limited to Upper School students. The sport will also be introduced to the Middle School and become the first-ever sports option for Lower School students. While the program is still seeking a Middle School coach, Sigel is eager to lead the charge across all divisions. “This is something I’ve dreamed about for years,” he explains. “I’ve always wanted to teach kids the art of riding a hobby horse. It’s no easy feat, but it’s very rewarding.”
Coach Sigel first fell in love with the sport when he joined the equestrian hobby horsing team as a sophomore in college. “It took a lot of practice to perfect the jumps and the neighing sounds, but after a while I had it down pat.”
His enthusiasm and experience will undoubtedly make him a valuable mentor and role model for aspiring hobby equestrians at Episcopal. With his expertise in the area, Coach Sigel will serve as a great resource and role model for his young riders.
Sophia Tabasso ’25 has been a driving force behind the creation of a hobby horse team at Episcopal. “Hobby horsing has been my main sport all my life. I am now committed to Oklahoma State University, and I cannot wait to go!” remarks Tabasso. “I always felt like something was missing at EA in the sports program. When Malvern added hobby horsing to their athletic program, that’s when I knew it was time for us to make a team.”
Tabasso was initially concerned about interest levels, particularly among boys, but “It turned out to be just the opposite!” says Tabasso. According to a recent survey, three-quarters of the student body expressed interest in joining the new team. With numbers like these, making the cut for varsity won’t be easy.
After much consideration and debate, the student body has selected James Marvin ’26 as Captain for the 2025 fall season. “I am beyond thrilled to take on this honorable role. I believe that by leading with grit and determination, I will guide the team to success at the Inter-Ac and National levels. I can’t wait to make practices fun, and I plan to have everyone name their hobby horse so they feel personally connected to them. I named mine Sparklehoof!”
Photo courtesy of Sophiabulous Venneri ’26
Coach Sigel has outlined his requirements for the team tryouts. “I expect every athlete to be in tip-top shape. Hobby horsing is a very serious physical sport, and I don’t want anyone coming to practice without being aware of its physical requirements,” Coach Sigel emphasized. “To join the team, it is required that each player swim the length of the pool 75 times and be able to bench press 150 pounds. While these requirements may seem extreme, I believe that they are necessary for my players to get in the right shape.” As far as the practice schedule, hobby horsing will act just like any other fall sport, with practices every weekday. The only difference is that the tournaments are much more frequent, giving players many opportunities to showcase their new skills.
Although the 2025 fall season may seem far away, it is fast approaching. If you’re considering trying out for the hobby horse team, now is the time to start practicing! Go get your own hobby horse, hit the gym, and prepare to get competitive. Making the team will take hard work and dedication, but with grit and determination, it’s absolutely achievable. The season promises to be exciting, and with the leadership of James Marvin, it’s bound to be a memorable one. Get ready to join the team and show off your skills!