Very few heirlooms compare with the beauty and grace that a fine wooden rocking horse has to offer.
We restore hundreds of rocking horses every year, most dating from 60 to 100 years old. Each one arrives with a heartwarming story of childhood memories spent with a beloved loyal steed. The joy a rocking horse brings to a family passes through generations, many of the horses we restore are about to be handed down to new grandchildren, and we send them on their way for another round.
When buying a rocking horse, it is important to take your time. The horse could live on in your family for hundreds of years. There are many variables to think about, here are some useful pointers.
Is your chosen horse destined to be a child's toy? Would you like it to become a family heirloom? Perhaps it is purely a decorative item?
Surprisingly, many of our customers are simply treating themselves. Many older customers come to us with stories of an undying childhood desire to have their very own rocking horse, it is a pleasure to grant a lifelong wish.
Perhaps you are looking for an investment, a horse that will accumulate in value? A well-made wooden rocking horse from a reputable maker holds and grows in value far better than almost any other childhood toy.
The reason for your purchase will inevitably influence how much you want to spend. Decide on a budget before approaching a rocking horse maker or dealer, and decide in advance whether you have any leeway, to ensure you don't miss out on the perfect horse, while not overspending and regretting it later.
We at the Rocking Horse Works are very flexible and accommodating to your budget. In general, the bigger the horse the bigger the cost, and prices are reflected in condition, quality of carving and overall construction.
Traditional wooden rocking horses come in a range of sizes from small to extra large. Where in your home will your new friend live? Will the horse reside in a nursery or bedroom, or somewhere else in the house?
If you already have a spot in mind, remember that the horse will need a few feet of clearance front and back in order to swing fully. Make a note of your measurements before choosing a size.
Most people, when conjuring up images of a rocking horse, think first of the traditional Christmas card picture of a dapple grey on a beautiful set of green or red bow rockers. However, since around 1880 the classical bows have gradually been replaced by the Marqua safety stand.
Bow rockers are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing, but they do demand a little more room and have a tendency to creep across the floor with use, much like a rocking chair. Safety stands, as the name suggests, are generally considered the safer option, especially for young children.
If you are buying a rocking horse as a gift, we would generally advise buying brand new. Each horse is tailor made to your specifications, you have an endless choice of colour schemes, hair colour, leather colour, painting and more, all at no extra cost. It is this customisation that makes a new rocking horse truly unique.
Some customers opt for unique carving details such as a carved mane and tail instead of real hair, though this does carry an additional cost. Buying a horse crafted just for you is an excellent opportunity to begin the tradition of passing down a truly unique family heirloom.
If you are buying purely for ornamental reasons and do not intend the horse to be ridden, you might also consider an old or antique horse. Very few rocking horses carved today compare with the fine quality of the old Victorian and Edwardian makers. Old horses carry unmistakable character, and come with the blemishes of age: cracking and discolouration of paint, cracks in the gesso, worn leather and tack.
The Rocking Horse Works has a beautiful collection of antiques, hand-picked for their exceptional quality and beauty. Our stock changes frequently, please get in touch to find out what we currently have available. We generally always have an Ayres, Lines Brothers, and plenty of Collinsons.
Once you have found or purchased a special antique rocking horse, it is important to decide how to proceed. The main options are a fully authentic restoration, making the horse look exactly as it would have on the day of manufacture, sometimes with a subtle ageing effect to retain the antique patina, or a completely fresh contemporary look.
These decisions should be influenced by the origins and history of the horse. A rare and collectable F.H. Ayres rocking horse, for example, should be sympathetically and authentically restored, maintaining the original character of the horse in homage to the expert carvers of the 19th century, and to preserve its heirloom value.
A more commonplace Collinson rocking horse, made in large numbers between 1910 and the 1970s, has its own charm, and has frequently been used on film sets and LP covers. You may wish to retain the original features, or use the horse as a blank canvas and give it a whole new look. Anything is possible.
The Rocking Horse Works workshop and showroom, Market Drayton, visitors welcome.
Ready to find your perfect horse?
Contact Alison at The Rocking Horse Works today for free, friendly, expert advice.