A thunderous click, then clack, then click again reverberated through the wooden gym floors on repeat.

Bleacher seats shook with the sounds of hundreds of elated girls as they ran a lap together, each atop their loyal stead they had trained alongside for months or years.

Gripping the reigns, competitors erupted in a cacophony of both high-pitched tween and teen squeals and impressions of horse neighs, galloping with a rowdy energy.

The thing is, not a single hoof touched the ground.

This is hobby horse .

It’s a sport where everyone is cheering for each other and encouragement and camaraderie are complimentary like the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches packed in parents’ bags for a long day of competition.

While there are winners, there are no losers — only respect for showing up a

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