| Enigmatic and nostalgic, the rocking horse | | | | put on the curved rails. Designers use other |
| can open magical doors for children and | | | | rocking animals to appeal to the wide |
| adults alike. Adults sit back, watching | | | | audience of consumers. Materials have varied |
| children play, and remember the special times | | | | as well, with fabric, leather, plastic, the |
| they had on their own horse. Rocking horses | | | | finest hardwood, and the likes making up the |
| will forever symbolize childhood and its | | | | design. Designers have begun to focus on more |
| fantastic memories. Despite the gizmo like | | | | than just wood and a real horse mane in the |
| toys for children and modern decor for the | | | | form of the rocking horse.Finally, the |
| home, a rocking horse still tops the list of | | | | purpose of the rocking horse has grown. Not |
| toys to give and display.Historically, carved | | | | just limited to fun and a thrill ride, the |
| rocking horses have existed since the | | | | rocking horse has become an educational tool, |
| medieval era. The sculptured rocking horse | | | | used to teach children essentials like toilet |
| made its debut in New England in the 19th | | | | etiquette. Thanks to the rocking horse |
| century. At this point carved rocking horses | | | | toilet, children can now learn to do their |
| gained appreciation. They continued to gain | | | | business while riding a horse. Apparently the |
| widespread popularity throughout the century. | | | | toy teaches children proper ways of using a |
| Craftsmen added real horsehair manes and | | | | toilet.Realistic looking rocking horses and |
| tales to make the horse appear rational. | | | | accessories still exist, like saddles, |
| Though made of wood, many offered a | | | | bridles and tail. Online manufacturers |
| comfortable ride thanks to added padding. The | | | | specialize in these toys, but you must make |
| horses received cloth saddles and reins to | | | | sure that you find a reputable dealer. |
| authenticate them as horses.Since the | | | | Purchase the horses in good condition and |
| American Civil War, the horse's appearance | | | | with warranties so you can return them should |
| has changed, becoming more antique looking. | | | | they arrive defective. Unique rocking horses |
| Unlike before the war, assembly line | | | | also abound thanks to creative manufacturers. |
| manufacturers began mass producing the | | | | For a mere $200 you can come home with a |
| rocking horses. Today the rocking horse has | | | | custom made horse. However, the best ones can |
| become much more diversified. Experimental | | | | cost up to $3500.These one of a kind toys |
| versions have popped up like with other | | | | have lasted centuries for a reason. So the |
| vintage toys.Colors, design, materials, and | | | | next time you're scratching your noggin in |
| purpose vary from the conventional horse, | | | | search of a great toy for your grandkid, |
| with the colors stretching from the antique | | | | consider the timeless and priceless rocking |
| white to gaudy and bright colors. Design has | | | | horse.Gregg Hall is an author living in |
| also become broader, with more than the horse | | | | Navarre Florida. |