Pferd am Stiel

Sarah (Manon Debaille) is 13 years old, lives in the Neuperlach high-rise complex in Munich, and is immediately excited to get started when she discovers “Hobby Horsing” online: In this Finnish sport, teenagers compete in tournaments while riding stick horses. It’s kind of cringey! At least that’s what Sarah’s best friend Dilek (Chiara Kitsopoulou) thinks of the new hobby—but she lets herself be talked into giving it a try. When this, combined with their social media presence, makes them the laughingstock of the school, Dilek and Sarah get into a huge fight. Fortunately, Sarah finds a new partner and coach in Beatrice (Aurelia Ott), a competitive rider who’s suffering under the pressure of her ambitious mother. On their own, they head to Finland: to the big amateur horsing championship! Director Sonja Maria Kröner’s deeply empathetic story scores big with its authenticity: The portrayal of teenage life in Munich’s prefab housing district is just as compelling as the message: It’s worth going your own way—no matter how much resistance you face. The result is a heartwarming, humorous teen film about courage, solidarity, and the power of self-assertion! FLIMMO, the parenting guide, says: “This story about hobby horsing, friendship, and self-acceptance isn’t just fun for horse lovers. The positive message and strong characters can inspire older children. With humor and energy, the film encourages viewers to be true to themselves and pursue their own interests.” FLIMMO recommendation: 9+.