History of Rocking Horse Toys in Europe and the US
The rocking horse is more than just a child’s toy. This is often a collectible item. Memories of childhood may be conjured up at the sight of a rocking horse. Feelings of nostalgia and a longing for times past may also arise when looking at a rocking horse. No matter what the reason the rocking horse continues to be a timeless favorite.
The rocking horse was popular during the Georgian and Victorian periods in England and subsequently became popular in America and Germany. However, even before Georgian and Victorian period rocking horses toy horses were made for children in ancient Greece and Egypt. These were not true rocking horses as we know them today. These ancient toy horses were placed on wheels.
The first true rocking horse is believed to have come into being in the 17th century. These first rocking horses were fairly simple. It was not until the 18th century that rocking horses became elegant creations made by master craftsmen. During this time is when the rocking horse gained prominence in the United States. These rocking horses were hand crafted out of wood. With the rise of the industrial revolution the rocking horse became available to many more people at an affordable price.
Today’s rocking horses are made out of many different materials. The traditional wooden rocking horse is still available. There are also plush rocking horses on wooden bases. Inexpensive plastic rocking horses are also available.
There are numerous rocking horse manufacturers today. Kidcraft makes an interesting variety of rocking hoses. From the tradition wooden rocking horse to modern plush rocking horses as well as other rocking animals, Kidcraft rocking horses remain popular. Charm Company specializes in the modern plush rocking horse as well as other rocking animals. These are extremely cute and attractive rocking horses which makes them popular today. TeamsonDesign and Guildcraft both make reasonably priced traditional wooden rocking horse.
Hennesy rocking horses are probably the most expensive rocking horses made today. The exquisitely crafted horses can sell for several thousand dollars. The horses are hand carved by craftsmen and feature genuine horse hair mane and tail. Each horse is given twenty coats of lacquer and then fitted with the finest riding tack. Both the saddle and bridle are removable so that the horse may be groomed. In addition to being one of the finest rocking horses made these exquisite examples of craftsmanship are also collectibles.
The rocking horse endures as a childhood favorite. Since it has been a childhood favorite for so long it also remains a favored collectible.
