The best new and antique rocking horses

ELEGANT EQUINES THAT ARE INEXPENSIVE TO FEED

After a heyday during Victorian times, rocking horse popularity went into decline, but the past couple of decades have seen a resurgence of interest in these beautifully crafted toys and collectors' items. Horses can be made with a secret compartment in the belly. For a heirloom horse, this was used to store small family treasures such as photographs or locks of hair, which would be kept safe for future generations. While antique horses are best admired, new horses can be a wonderful toy, giving an enjoyable riding experience with far less upkeep than the real thing!

BESPOKE ROCKING HORSES

ROBERT MULLIS

POA

Commission the horse of your dreams! Choose bow rocker or Victorian-style safety stand, then five sizes of rocking horse in three finishes - modern dapple-grey, antiques dapple grey or polished. This would make a truly magnificent gift!

ROCKING HORSE RESTORATION

ROCKING HORSE MAKER

POA

With unrivalled expertise and craftsmanship, this is the place to stable your treasured rocking horse if he needs a bit of R & R – and some grooming and polishing. Make sure your family heirloom gets the treatment it deserves!

GOLDEN JUBILEE ROCKING HORSE

STEVENSON BROTHERS

£5,300

The Golden Jubilee swing-stand rocking horse is an exact replica of the Queen's Jubilee horse and is one of the limited-edition pieces produced by Stevenson Brothers.

As well as the limited edition ranges, which include a zebra and one based on champion steeplechaser Best Mate, Stevenson makes new rocking horses to order in a choice of woods; sells and restores antique horses and takes commissions for bespoke work.

All new horses can be made in safety stand or bow rocker style and have a finish and accessories nominated by the customer to make them really individual.

NELSON

JANE HOOKER

£2,800

This sought-after Ayres rocking horse dates from 1900 to 1920. With most of its original paintwork and tack, this really is a rare chance to own a horse by the celebrated F H Ayres.

FARTHING

ROCKING HORSE ELITE

POA

This beautifully carved G & J Lines bow rocker dates from the late 19th century and features two authentic cane chairs. Farthing is pretty as a picture!