Hobby Horses
Hobby Horses have been recorded as part of carnivals, processions, folk plays, folk dances, calendar customs and rituals since Medieval times, throughout Europe.
Thousands watch them whirl and cavort through the streets of Padstow, Minehead and Combe Martin in the West Country every May.
In the morris, such beasts (dancers in disguise) collect money and playfully interact with the audience. Sometimes they join in the dances too.
Combe Martin Hobby Horse
North Devon 1999
Photo: Doc Rowe
