(German for "a verse for riding on knees") is a nursery rhyme that is recited while two people play. Usually an older person plays with a younger one (mostly a child), with the child sitting on the older person's knee.
In the German language the following Kniereitvers ("Hoppe, hoppe Reiter") is most popular:
There are verses that have one or more lines added, for example:
There are also versions in different dialects. In Switzerland, the following example is popular:
Three Marys means three women. This lap verse refers to the Swiss fairy tale Die drei Mareien.
While playing and singing the verses, the child sits on a parent's knees or lap facing the parent. The parent moves the knees up and down, imitating riding a horse. The parent holds on to the child's hands imitating holding reins. When it comes to the part where the parent says "the rider will go plop" the parent opens the legs or knees so that the child slips down towards the floor while holding hands the entire time. The parent will then pull the child back onto the lap.
This little acting game is a lot of fun for the child, anticipating the 'fall' from the 'horse' and being saved by the parent, staying safe and sound.