Lara is the one who set everything in motion. She discovered Hobby Horsing on social media during the Covid period and was so excited that she sewed her first horse from whatever she found at home. Her grandpa built the first jumps, and she started training in the garden. No one could have imagined what it would become. With help from her mom and brother, the LarDen brand was born. Today we asked Lara how she sees it all now.
What fascinated you about Hobby Horsing?
When I was little, I loved trying new things, and that’s how I found Hobby Horsing. From the very first try I knew it was exactly right for me. I’ve loved horses for as long as I can remember, but since I couldn’t have a real one, Hobby Horsing was the perfect alternative. I’ve had so many great adventures with my Hobby Horse since then.
Why LarDen?
The name LarDen combines two names: mine (Lara) and my friend's (Denisa), who first brought me into this sport. She showed me a lot at the beginning and shared her experience with me. Denisa doesn’t do Hobby Horsing anymore, but her name will always be part of our brand. And I’m still here with you today.
How was your first competition?
I still remember how nervous I was before my first competition. I had no idea what to expect. The trip itself was nice because I went with Denisa. It was a small, friendly event with a wonderful atmosphere. Back then there weren’t any big events yet, and the sporting side of Hobby Horsing was still in its early days.
Once we arrived, all the nerves disappeared and we enjoyed the day to the fullest. I even did quite well, even though my course didn’t go exactly as planned. After the competition we went for a ride with a few other girls and our horses. I still think back to that day with a big smile.
Your first Hobby Horse?
My very first Hobby Horse was made at home from a bedsheet and some leftover yarn I found. I was on the phone with my uncle the whole time and laughed through the entire call, so it took me almost seven hours. The result didn’t really look like a horse, more like a little seahorse, but for my first try with needle and thread it turned out surprisingly well.
Of course, one Hobby Horse wasn’t enough, so I kept going. I searched the house for more materials, drew a new pattern, and kept sewing. Soon the next Hobby Horses were on the way.
Do you still do Hobby Horsing?
As I got older, more responsibilities came along that often had to take priority. Still, I look back on that time with a lot of joy. It gave me so much and became an experience for life. I’m sure I’ll tell my own kids about it one day. The Hobby Horsing world hasn’t disappeared for me though. Every year I look forward to the LarDen tournament we host as a thank-you to the kids. I spend the whole day there, helping out and being part of the team. It always brings back great memories, just in a slightly different role now.
In my busy schedule I still try to find time to film videos about new products or help with development and testing. That way I stay part of the Hobby Horse world throughout the year.
Do you have LarDen at home too?
From time to time, a few Hobby Horses end up at our home, especially the new ones that haven’t officially launched yet. Thanks to them, Hobby Horsing is still part of my daily life. But their real home is the LarDen workshop in Mariánské Lázně, where every horse has its own stall and is well looked after. Our workshop and showroom outgrew our house long ago, so they’re now close by. At home we still talk about Hobby Horses all the time — without that topic, our home just wouldn’t feel the same.
What’s new coming at LarDen?
You’d probably love to know, right? 😏 Even though we’re always working on new surprises, I’ll keep some of them secret for now so you have something to look forward to. If I revealed everything now, where would the excitement be?
Alright, a little hint. Each season we create a new product that’s even more refined and better made. You can also look forward to new Hobby Horses in fresh colors, great campaigns, tournaments, and exciting programs.
And the LarDen tournament? Of course that’s happening too. 🧡
