Rocking Horse

FEATURES

– Authentic Replica Wooden Carved Moore & Sons Rocking Horse

– Actual Working Rockers

– Carved from Solid First Grade Mahogany

– Full Grain Hand Stitched Leather Seat

VIDEO REPRESENTATION OF THE MAKING OF A ROCKING HORSE

Click to view – MAKING OF THE ANTIQUE ROCKING HORSE

Click to view – INTRICATE CARVING OF THE ROCKING HORSE'S EYE

HISTORY

Through research and excavation of sites, carved statues and clay designs of horses have been found to exist since as early as the time of Egyptian pharaohs and the ancient Greeks (estimated date: 400 B.C.). However, the rocking horse that we are familiar with today has been dated to around the 17th century throughout areas of Europe. The rocking horse thrived during the 1800’s and was a widespread favorite of children who grew up during this time.

An early variation of this much-loved children’s toy enabled young boys to practice skills that would later be used as an adult, such as jousting in the 1300’s (which was an important part of the culture at the time). Carved horses on wheels were used by children to practice these skills while they watched their fathers perform in jousting competitions on the actual animals. But the popularity of this children’s toy increased when manufacturers began to primarily place the horse on two curved boards that enabled the children to rock back and forth, which led to the widely used name of “rocking horse”. Rocking horses were a typical childhood toy found in many European households throughout the 1800’s and 1900’s. In addition, it is believed that during the childhood of King Charles I of England, he grew up having ridden a rocking horse that was made specifically for him.

As popularity increased, the rocking horse came in high demand and many department stores and salesmen benefitted from selling the well-loved toy. During the 1800’s the most renowned rocking horses were made by the group, F.H. Ayres, who produced their work in London. Their horses were known for their beautifully sculpted body shape, and the painting of their unique equine details (see above image). For these reasons, modern collectors go out of their way to find the best examples of these beautiful designs. And though this childhood toy is no longer as popular as it was during the 1800’s, the art and craftsmanship that went into the creation of these beautiful pieces is still appreciated and sought after today.

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