Creating A Handmade Rocking Horse

The exquisite quality of each of our rocking horses can only be achieved with the patience and skill of our dedicated team of craftspeople.

The basic structure of the horse is formed from the highest grade timber. Precise detailing of facial expressions, bone and muscle adds to the individual character of each horse.

All of our painted horses are then given several coats of gesso. This traditional technique protects the wood and is slightly flexible allowing for the natural movement of the wood. The horse is then painted by hand by one of our artists, who paints the horse, applying the colours in subtle layers.

Dapples and shades are worked lightly into the body of the horse to accentuate its natural curves whilst tones are used to suggest muscle. This method of working means that each finish is slightly different and every horse unique. Our polished wood horses are made from various woods including oak, mahogany and rosewood and are then waxed or varnished.

Real horsehair, or synthetic fibre if preferred, is used to create a flowing mane and tail. Each horse is tacked with the highest grade, hand made saddlery leathers to create a beautiful and distinctive finish.

‘It is this commitment to the highest standards of manufacture that sets our rocking horse apart’

We can make beautiful rocking horses only with the materials and pigments nature allows us. At Ringinglow we choose materials that will not jeopardise the future of the environment and will use only wood that is sustainably forested.

Similarly we have carried out extensive research into paints, varnishes and other finishes, ensuring that all our materials not only comply with European safety standards, but are also produced in a way that is kind to the planet.