OLD ROCKING HORSES

After many very busy and fascinating years as a microbiologist a change was needed and being a lifetime horse addict (Arabs, racing, all sorts of riding...) a second career playing with rocking horses seemed the obvious thing to do.

So in 1995 I started collecting old and antique rocking horses and began to learn how to restore them. I have become a fully qualified carpenter/joiner and a fully qualified bridle, saddle and harness maker. I've now restored many old rocking horses, have quite a collection and enjoy trading them. I like to buy old horses in need of help and restore them so they are fit to ride again using traditional craft methods, love and great care. Then I have to find them a good home. An antique rocking horse can be ridden or just admired and they increase in value over the years unlike many modern toys.

It's an overwhelming hobby as well as a small business and there are restored, unrestored and original finish antique rocking horses for collectors for sale. I'm always interested in buying old ( pre 1950 ) horses and and I welcome discussion with other enthusiasts to find out more about rocking horse history.

SEE THE LINKED WEBSITE ON IDENTIFICATION OF OLD ROCKING HORSES. It is at www.oldrockinghorses.co.uk

SEE THE LINK PAGE for informative rocking horse links.

HORSE SIZES
What size rocking horse do you need for riding?
Here are my recommendations ( horses measured from floor to top of head, on their stands)
Huge horses : Over 53 inches - should suit children from about 8 years old to most adults.
Large horses : 47 - 53 inches - should suit children from about 6 years old and small adults
Medium horses : 40 - 46 inches - should suit children from about 5 to 10 years old
Small horses : 30 to 39 inches - should suit children from 3 to 6 years old
Tiny horses : less than 30 inches - really best suited for dolls and teddies.

NB I am often asked for information on old rocking horses; by far the best reference book is 'The Rocking Horse' by Patricia Mullins. ISBN 0904 568 695. It is out of print but should be available from libraries, and there are copies usually available second hand on internet book search sites.

Copyright to all text and pictures on www.oldrockinghorses.com ( except where acknowledgement is given to others ) belongs to Jane Hooker.