Rocking Horses

We had one when I was a child and I loved it. Mid size on safety rockers. They are now considered antiques. So I bought a new one instead for our grand children. It wasnt a Stevenson and cost slightly less. But it is a replica of the old style horse.
It came from Legends in High Wycombe. The girls who rode it are now graduating from Oxbridge but the horse is strong enough to carry a light adult. It has never been sold on. Once one owns one of these horses, it is hard to part with it.
 
I bought one recently - really well behaved. In the end I got one that was made it the 70’s so not antique (my S-I-L has a phobia about old style rocking horse faces ?) and it can take 15 stone.
Everyone loves it - so many people can’t resist a ‘little rock’ - and it also looks very handsome.

This is the lady I bought mine from - and can recommend.

https://www.eliterockinghorses.co.uk/
 
Had a lovely one as a kid. Realistic saddle and bridle and a horse-like eye and mane and tail. It was about 12-13hh. Never lame. Very well-behaved. No need for a trainer. Didn't cost much to feed, and if it required a vet, my dad and a glue gun could usually sort it out.

Why did I ever replace it with a real one?
 
Basically I’ve ‘rescued’ a beautiful but very battered GJ Lines horse that has been dated as around 1880.
He is in dire need of restoration but I’m terrified of handing him over to someone who won’t do the job as well as something like this deserves. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations.
 
They were the best especially if overcarved and the head is tilted. Unfortunately the person I would recommend has emigrated to Australia. I eventually had a new one carved with my ponies markings as I realised in every horror film an old rocking horse was rocking in the attic!
 

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LittleBlackMule said:
Basically I’ve ‘rescued’ a beautiful but very battered GJ Lines horse that has been dated as around 1880.
He is in dire need of restoration but I’m terrified of handing him over to someone who won’t do the job as well as something like this deserves. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations.
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One of the reputable auction houses may be able to recommend a restorer.
 
LittleBlackMule said:
Bit of a long shot, but is anyone here knowledgeable about antique rocking horses?
Need advice on a new addition to the family.
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I have always wanted one, but being a bungalow is full I had to go for the bow rocker. She had to have a new bridle made as her old one was dry and disintegrating. She has no name but she was a xmas present a few years ago. Meet my girl in her hired transport , I forgot to give her a haynet whoops.
 

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LittleBlackMule said:
Basically I’ve ‘rescued’ a beautiful but very battered GJ Lines horse that has been dated as around 1880.
He is in dire need of restoration but I’m terrified of handing him over to someone who won’t do the job as well as something like this deserves. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations.
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My grandmother had hers restored many years ago. He was a gift to her as compensation for having a little sister so must be about 1920. It was very over painted and we were all horrified as used to his muted colours but it has mellowed over time.
I had my first riding lessons and many adventures on him. Rocking until we took off along the floor. My children have outgrown him. So he now has a more sedate life waiting for the next generation.
They are such family treasures. It's worth getting it done properly.
 
ILuvCowparsely said:
I have always wanted one, but being a bungalow is full I had to go for the bow rocker. She had to have a new bridle made as her old one was dry and disintegrating. She has no name but she was a xmas present a few years ago. Meet my girl in her hired transport , I forgot to give her a haynet whoops.
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She’s rather beautiful, who’s the maker?
 
We had to sell a Haddon rocking horse lately at auction - not an antique - probably made and bought in 1980s. Sold for about £270 I think, was in pretty good condition and could be ridden by a small adult.
 
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