About

A wooden rocking horse is a wonderful plaything, the perfect vehicle for a child's developing imagination. It will be given a name and will become a treasured family possession, not quickly discarded like so many modern toys, but kept and passed down to succeeding generations.

Anthony Dew started designing and making wooden rocking horses back in 1976, and even now, 40 years on, under the leadership of Becca and James is a family owned business. We are based in a small village called Fangfoss, overlooked by the Yorkshire Wolds. We have a our workshops, specialising in woodwork, leatherwork, metalwork and painting. Visitors are welcome to visit our showroom . We are open 10.00am till 4.00pm Monday to Friday inclusive (closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays). We would always recommend booking an appointment if you can, this way we can make sure that the right person is available to help you.

We have 3 main strands to our work, Hand carved horses, Restorations and Make your Own.

Every one of our finished horse is a hand crafted individual; ready-to-ride horses are available from stock, or you can commission a 'Special', made to your own preferred size and style. All of our work is done on site so it is completely adaptable to your needs.

We offer a complete restoration service for battered old Rocking Horses - woodwork repairs to broken ears, legs, rockers etc, gessoing, 'antique' paintwork & dappling in a variety of styles, fitting new saddlery, manes & tails. We are the experts, with thirty-five years of experience. If you choose us to restore your family rocking horse with us, we are sure you wont be disappointed with our service.

If woodworking is your interest we publish a range of exclusive plans, complete with pictures and instructions, many of which are original Anthony Dew designs. The idea of building a rocking horse can be daunting, but we aim to give you the confidence to succeed and have projects to suit all abilities. Making a rocking horse will give you a truly satisfying sense of achievement.

International

Here at the Rocking Horse Shop we have been shipping our Traditional Hand Carved Wooden Rocking Horses all around the world since 1976. We have also produced plans and accessories which means Rocking Horses can be made by hobbyists and woodworking enthusiasts around the world.

We ship by FedEx which means delivery date are very reliable. It is important to note, although we have an excellent delivery service and time scales; due to the nature of the business at particular times there may be a slight delay in products reaching our customers. This is because everything is handmade in our workshops, meaning there are sometimes delays in stock items such as hair. We endeavour to keep you up to date regarding your order – but please be aware standard shipping may vary.

Over the years we have welcomed many overseas visitors to our shop and also many have attended our wonderful carving courses.Our plans include full size drawings, cutting list, step by step photos and full instructions, making it easy to make a rocking horse anywhere in the world. Our high quality accessories are all hand made by our dedicated team in our workshops in Yorkshire and our products can easily be shipped anywhere.

I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for the warm welcome I received last week on the Head Carving Course. It was a genuine pleasure to spend time in the work shop with a highly skilled and creative tutor. The 3 days provided ample opportunity to share this enthusiasm and to learn from a master craftsman. Thank you again for your support, guidance and timely advice. I feel equipped and inspired to complete my very own medium rocking horse which I am sure will become a munched loved addition to our family.

Steve Kibble, Cornwall

This is just to say how delighted I am with our restored rocking horse which arrived safely yesterday. The handsome horse seems a far cry from the poorly horse we dropped off in May and it is now in pride of place in the dining room awaiting introduction to the grandchildren next week.

It has been a pleasure to deal with your enthusiastic team and the result is great. It arrived on time as agreed and on budget.

Rosemary Burke

I have to agree with all the positive reviews already made on the 3 day workshop on carving a rocking horse head. I experienced a very well organised course on learning the techniques for using the tools on solid wood without messing up the head right away, leading on to shaping the head as you would like. Just follow what is demonstrated step by step and you will end up with a very professional looking horse’s head and a good working knowledge of how to use the tools. I had already assembled the Large Rocky and carved the body but I needed some practise on a head. This was just what I needed. I am now full of enthusiasm to complete the Large Rocky. Most enjoyable, full of fun and a fabulous active holiday. There were six of us on the course and there were six good looking heads after only three days. I could not recommend this workshop more highly. The only negative is that I had to go home afterwards.

David Smith

I just want to say how wonderful our new rocking horse that you delivered last week is. It really is a fantastic work of art and I wish to express my sincere thanks to all who worked on it. It really did exceed all my expectations. So a massive thank you to everyone.

Brian Simpson, Yorkshire

I am writing to express my appreciation for the great customer service I have received from The Rocking Horse shop during making a Large Rocky Rocking Horse. On the three occasions I either phoned or emailed I was given helpful and friendly advice which was followed by a speedy delivery.

Rob Stephens

What a great way to spend 3 days! It was with some trepidation that I arrived at The Rocking Horse Shop to become a student at the 'Carve a Head' course. I had minimal experience with woodwork having made some small wooden toys, but had never tried my hand at carving. The first thing to be said is how friendly everyone was, only 2 mins after entering the premises I had a cup of coffee in my hand.

You were never rushed, everything from carving techniques to use of special power tools was very well explained. All 5 students ended up with rocking horse heads that we could be proud of. We had learned the basics of a great craft and had some fun along the way. I have the rest of the timber pack and am now looking forward to completing the whole rocking horse.?If you have ever considered trying your hand at carving or making a complete rocking horse, then put it off no longer, this is the course for you. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Paul Lattimore

We love the rocking horse - it is absolutely as we wanted it. Thank you!

Denise Caruth Stevenson

Thank you for the rocking horse received. Packed extremely well. Exactly as ordered. Real leather saddle and straps looks absolutely beautiful. Delighted with the product.
Full marks to the company, for the way the order the has been handled in the time specified. Would recommend this family run company.
Thank you so much.

Margaret Land

Would highly recommend the Rocking Horse shop to anyone thinking of buying a horse. Extremely impressed with the high quality horse and your service. Thank you so much.

Nicola Cassia

I am lost for words and quite emotional just looking at my restoration, he looks absolutely amazing.

The whole team have done an incredible job. I can't believe that you have all restored him given the terrible state he was in. But that is down to the skill and craftsmanship of the ladies and gentlemen at The Rocking Horse Shop. Would you pass on my thanks (which doesn't seem enough) to all involved in his transformation!

J Real

I am lost for words and quite emotional just looking at my restoration, he looks absolutely amazing.

J Real