Episode 177 - Hobby Horsing: The High-Flying Sport You Never Knew Existed with Kht Shetty

#177 - What happens when childhood play transforms into serious sport? In this eye-opening conversation, we saddle up with Kht Shetty, a 20-year-old Polish hobby horse competitor and coach who's redefining what it means to "horse around."Hobby horsing—a sport where participants jump obstacles up to 1.3 meters high while carrying handcrafted stick horses—combines athletic prowess, creative craftsmanship, and equestrian rules into something truly unique. Shetty walks us through this fascinating world, from its Scandinavian origins to the international competitions she now hosts. With remarkable maturity, she explains how the sport mirrors traditional equestrian events like show jumping and dressage, requiring serious training and physical preparation.What's particularly striking about Shetty's journey is her resilience in the face of online criticism. Despite facing cruel comments and even death threats simply for participating in this harmless activity, she remains focused on nurturing the community, especially younger hobbyists who look up to her. The moment she realized her impact—when children lined up for her autograph at a Czech Republic event—stands as a powerful testament to how seemingly niche pursuits can create meaningful connections.Beyond the jumps and competitions, hobby horsing has provided Shetty with entrepreneurial opportunities, leadership skills, and a global community. Her story challenges our assumptions about play and sport while demonstrating how passion, when pursued authentically, can transform both individual lives and communities. Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or simply curious about unconventional paths, this conversation will have you reconsidering the power of play in our lives.Ready to see hobby horsing in action? Follow Shetty on Instagram @kht_shetty and discover this remarkable sport for yourself!Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Discover the journeys that do more than take you somewhere new—they change the way you see yourself and the world. Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel explores unforgettable adventures, hidden places, and the transformative power of stepping beyond the familiar.Check out Wayfinder Life-Changing Travel and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Xploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.