Our
Team

Alison

I grew up in Lancashire and studied Fine Art at Manchester Polytechnic. From as young as I can remember I have always indulged in art and crafts, and have spent most of my life covered in paint. After finishing university and a brief stint of travelling, I went on to work for an antiques company in Northamptonshire called 38 Antiques, as a botanical artist painting fine floral designs on stripped classic English furniture.

After many happy years I decided to branch out. I sold my house, sold my car and went in search of new things. We purchased Heather Bell, a 72-foot wooden narrow boat which became our home and workshop for our very first rocking horses. When I am not painting horses I enjoy life outdoors, mainly gardening, hiking and exploring the coast.

Heather

I am very lucky to have grown up in the world of rocking horses — a rare and somewhat obscure craft. When telling people the nature of my family business, it usually leads to 101 questions: a great talking point. It has always amazed me how many people can relate with their own stories of childhood rocking horses.

I have watched and assisted with the many years of the business and been lucky enough to grow up alongside many skilled craftsmen and women, learning the secrets and tribulations that go into making a horse from start to finish. I particularly enjoy leather work, although in later years I am finding the carpentry aspect more and more appealing.

Kate

Kate is our in-house seamstress, responsible for the beautiful hand-stitched saddlery and textile work that gives every Rocking Horse Works horse its distinctive, finely finished look. Kate crafts each piece of leather tack and fabric by hand, from bridles and reins to saddle blankets and girths, ensuring that every detail meets the exacting standards the workshop has maintained for over 39 years. Her skill and patience bring the final flourish to each horse before it leaves our workshop.