The Origin of the Rocking Horse

Animal toys have been around since humans learned the art of recording events. However, horses were the most prominent among them most likely because the horse was the most useful ride-on companion for our ancestors. It also somehow explains why the rocking horse is a long-time favourite toy for many generations of children.

Historians say that ancient Egyptian children have been playing with toy horses made from crude materials and were place on top of wheels; early records of such toys date back to 500BC. There are also evidences that the early Greeks and Romans made terracotta horses with chariots made of clay and gave them as toys for their younglings.

The Greeks even had the stick horse (obviously, made of a huge stick) with a make-shift head of a horse at the end. These stick horses are the forerunner of what toy historians and experts call as the “hobby horse.” The hobby horse was a very popular toy among young boys and girls who dreamed of riding real horses as knights and duchesses when they grow up. This toy would indeed become the most prevalent ride-on toy during the Middle Ages.

During the 16th century, the hobby horse would give way to the barrel horse – the barrel replacing the stick and with 4 legs attached to it. With the invention of bow rockers in the 17th century, this ride-on toy began to appear with the familiar rocking base just like the rocking horse that we know today.

However, the makers of the first rocking horses were not particular about safety. The horses were made of heavy wood, making the centre of gravity unstable – thus, they would often fall off the sides a lot.

It would take a highly skilled craftsman to stabilise the rocking horses in those days. By the 18th century, the horses were made to be lighter so they stand and rock with more stability. Detailed designs were also applied, making them look more like handicraft artworks.

The Queen's Favourite

Although historians have no proof of its veracity, some oral traditions say that the rocking horse was Queen Victoria’s favourite toy. It was also a highly popular toy for children during the Victorian era. The thing is, the rocking horses at that time had another purpose aside from being just ride-on toys. Their bellies were hallowed out to serve as compartments for family heirlooms such as locks of hair, photographs, and coins. The family's collection of trinkets would be stored there and handed down from generation to generation.

Most of the horses in the Victorian era were dappled grey. People said that this was because it was the queen's favourite design.

Modern Day Rocking Horses

In the first half of the 20th century, the popularity of the rocking horse started to dwindle. Many believe that this was due to the American Depression and the 2 World Wars. By the 1960s, there were only a few craftsmen making rocking horses left. People at that time almost thought that the art of making this ride-on toy would be lost to history.

The last 30 years brought a sense of comeback for this traditional but well-loved toy for kids. We now see some toy companies manufacturing rocking horses for all children to enjoy. There are also modern craftsmen who offer repair and restoration services for old and broken rocking horses.

Rocking horses of today are often made of resin with a more stable centre of gravity, and are held onto their stand with large springs. Children who ride these rocking horses will have a feeling of being bounced up and down while the horses move forward and backward – just like how it is when riding a real horse.

The rocking horse is certainly one ride-on toy that will continue to be loved and enjoyed by children for many… many more years to come!