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Rocking Horses Buying Guide

Rocking horses  have a history and culture all their own that began around the 17th century and has been fascinating children ever since. It is said that bow rockers, or rocking horses with a large bow as a base, were utilised in England to prepare children for riding the real thing. Rocking horses can be custom-built, restored, or mass-produced. They can include a variety of features and designs and are constructed out of a range of wooden  materials as well as plastic  for use with toddlers. Depending on what type of horse you are in the market for, read up on your options below.

Wooden Rocking Horses
  • Can have a variety of life-like features including a mane  (horse hair or synthetic), glass eyes, carved wooden teeth and a facial expression.
  • Can include saddles,  stirrups  and reins. 
  • Models are custom-built to preference all over the world.
  • Constructed from varying types of wood including pine, tulip, and recycled timber.
  • Horses are typically carved and then finished with a wood lacquer  before painting.
  • Older wooden rocking horses  can be restored by specialty companies or fixed up at home using restoration kits.  

Plastic Rocking Horses

  • These can be much more fun for kids as they are less delicate and easier to ride.
  • Can feature many different animals other than horses including zebras  and elephants. 
  • Plush animals are sometimes featured on top with wooden bases.
  • Design can range in a variety of colours.
  • Plastic rockers are smaller and easier to transport.

Vintage Toys

These toys have been around for years but they are still popular and fun to collect!

Dollhouse 

Dolls  and dollhouses are a great collector's item for all ages. They can come in a range of styles and sometimes are passed down through generations of families. You can build your own dollhouse or choose to have one restored. Best of all, maintaining your dollhouse can be a continuous hobby as you collect the wide range of accessories  and home furnishings. 

Hobby Horse 

This is a toy with a long history that is still used to spark a child's imagination today. Hobby horses can come in hand-crafted or restored models as well as durable plastic horses that can be used for all types of play. The heads can be designed from cotton, leather, or wool and the stick is traditionally wooden.

Prams 

Doll prams can range from classic to modern style, and they are a great accessory for little girls taking their dolls out for a walk. Especially designed in small dimensions, these prams can be adjusted and have features reminiscent of an actual baby pram, like a folding hood  and shopping basket.

Train Set 

From electric  to wooden  and even steam train sets,  these toys can be a collector's item or simply a fun way to play. Equip your set with different railways, tracks,  buildings and figurines for added fun. Some sets even come with connecting trains, scenery and traffic lights.

Related Guides

Classic Kid's Toys

Check out some more toys that you collected during your childhood that are still popular today.

Equestrian

Now that you know everything about rocking horses, why not read about the real thing? Our equestrian guide has everything you need to know about horses  and how to care for them.

Retro Toys

Read up on some old-school toys like the Slinky.  Who knows, maybe you will want to relive your youth and buy some for yourself!

Toys and Games

An overview of everything fun for kids of all ages. From party games  to board games,  this guide will help keep you entertained.

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