Toy Horses for Christmas

Hobby horses have been found in Europe since at least the 17^th century when King Charles 1 of England had his own hobby horse and that toy still exists today. It is said that knights used large hobby horses to practice on while sword fighting or jousting. Nonetheless, there are paintings that show hobby horses as early as the 15^th century and their use may go back even further. Even so, children have long loved horses and wanted to ride along with all the adults. Toy horses have been crafted for hundreds of years for children to play with and stick, hobby, and rocking horses were made to fulfill that dream.

Hobby horses came in different styles and shapes. The first hobby horses were originally made with a straight stick with a wood carved horse-shaped head attached at one end. The head was covered to give the horse a mane and texture, often by using the hair and hide from a real horse. Often reins were attached, along with a saddle midway down the stick. Occasionally, they were made with a small wheel on the very end.

Some hobby horses were carved with just the head and shoulders with the remainder of the body made into a seat for a child to sit on. Other hobby horses were also carved in the exact shape of a horse or pony, complete with legs, muscles, and intricate body detail. These horses often had a mane and tail made from the actual hair of a real horse. The horses were then placed upon bow shaped plank rockers, and they became known as rocking horses. The saddle and reins were often carved as part of the toy or a real saddle and reins were made to fit. There were other toy horses that were hand carved and placed on a flat platform with rockers and wheels so it could be pulled.

Later, in the late 1800's the rockers were replaced with a frame where the horse was suspended in the middle on a device called the "swing arm safety stand. This allowed the child to ride the horse in much the same motion as a porch glider. In the 1900's, horses were placed on a stand and springs were attached that let the horse bounce up and day and forwards and back. The frame was sturdier than even the rockers and made the toy safer. This allowed a child to rock to his or her heart's delight without fear of falling over. Once again, the saddle either was carved as part of the horse or with a small leather saddle attached, complete with stirrups. Frequently, a small bit was often placed in the carved horse's mouth with leather reins attached.

Hobby horses are just as popular today with young children. Now you can get them as riding horses on wheels, on rockers, or on a frame. Even stick horses are found in most department stores and children still enjoy playing make believe while riding their steed around the house or yard. Some horses are carved into the shape of a horse, but with a flat seat and placed on rockers. Many of the horses are now made out of a sturdy plastic that is mechanically formed into the shape of a pony or horse The mane and tail may be made out of real horse hair or out of yarn, however, most commercially made horses are painted to resemble a horse. Newer toy horses are covered in a soft, plush material and some are not horses at all, but almost any animal you can imagine.

Other rocking toys are also made in the shape of boats, motorcycles, cars, trains, and fire engines. One of the newest toy horses on the market today is a horse that appears to stand on all four legs (with wheels attached) and a special drive system that moves the horse as the child pushes against the saddle, similar to riding a real horse.

Many of the older toy horses are still valued as collector items today and some may cost several thousands of dollars to buy. Newer carved horses are also being made by artisans who have brought these hand-carved horses back to life. Several of the reproductions are not as carefully made, however a number of artists devote a great deal of time to carving exacting details.

Children will always love horses and want to pretend they are a cowboy or just out riding into the sunset. A stick, hobby, or rocking horse is great entertainment for a child and makes a perfect gift for Christmas or other special days. Even the older generation would love to have one of these timeless toys.

Sources:

Rockimals

Hobby Horse

Stick Horses / Hobby Horses