About

About Us

A wooden rocking horse is more than a toy — it’s a timeless companion that sparks imagination, brings joy, and becomes a treasured part of family life. Each one is given a name, cherished through childhood, and lovingly passed down through generations. Unlike so many modern toys, a rocking horse is built to last — a true heirloom to be enjoyed for decades to come.

Our Story

The Rocking Horse Shop was founded in 1976 by Anthony Dew, who began designing and handcrafting traditional wooden rocking horses from his home workshop. More than forty years later, the company remains a family-run business, proudly led by Becca and James, who continue to uphold the same values of craftsmanship, creativity, and care that started it all.

Nestled in the beautiful village of Fangfoss, on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, our workshops are the beating heart of what we do. Here, our talented team specialises in woodwork, leatherwork, metalwork, and painting — all under one roof. Every rocking horse we make is crafted by hand, right here in Yorkshire.

Visitors are always welcome to explore our showroom, where you can see a range of finished rocking horses, restoration projects, and “make your own” materials.

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00am–4:00pm (closed weekends and Bank Holidays).
We recommend booking an appointment in advance so we can make sure the right member of our team is available to assist you.

What We Do

Our work falls into three main areas:

Hand-Carved Rocking Horses

Each of our finished rocking horses is a unique, handcrafted individual. Ready-to-ride horses are available from stock, or you can commission a bespoke creation, made to your preferred size, colour, and style. Because all our work is done on-site, every horse can be adapted to meet your specific requirements.

Restorations

We also offer a complete restoration service for much-loved rocking horses — from repairing broken ears, legs, and rockers to repainting, re-dappling, and refitting new saddlery, manes, and tails. With over 35 years of experience, our skilled restorers are true experts in their craft. If you trust us with your family’s rocking horse, we’ll ensure it’s beautifully revived and ready to be enjoyed once more.

Make Your Own

For those who love to work with their hands, we publish a range of exclusive rocking horse plans, complete with photos and step-by-step instructions — many of which are original Anthony Dew designs. Whether you’re a first-time woodworker or an experienced craftsman, our guides are designed to give you the confidence to succeed and the joy of creating something truly special.

Building your own rocking horse is a deeply rewarding experience — one that combines creativity, patience, and pride.

We also run carving courses throughout the year, offering hands-on tuition and expert guidance for those who wish to learn the traditional skills of rocking horse making in a friendly, supportive environment.

Continuing the Legacy

For nearly five decades, we’ve remained dedicated to keeping the art of rocking horse making alive. Every piece we craft — whether newly made, lovingly restored, or built by a customer using one of our plans — carries with it a piece of our story and a touch of Yorkshire craftsmanship.

At The Rocking Horse Shop, we don’t just make rocking horses — we help create memories that last a lifetime.

International

Shipping Worldwide

Here at The Rocking Horse Shop, we’ve been proudly shipping our traditional hand-carved wooden rocking horses to customers all around the world since 1976. Our reputation for craftsmanship and care has travelled far beyond Yorkshire, bringing the joy of rocking horses to families and collectors across the globe.

In addition to our finished horses, we also supply plans and accessories, allowing hobbyists and woodworking enthusiasts everywhere to create their own rocking horses at home.

Reliable International Shipping

We use FedEx for all our international deliveries, ensuring a reliable and efficient service wherever you are. While our delivery times are generally consistent, please note that due to the handmade nature of our products, there may occasionally be slight delays — particularly for specialist items such as horsehair or bespoke accessories.

Every item we produce is crafted by hand in our Yorkshire workshops, and we take the time needed to ensure it meets our exacting standards. Should there ever be a delay, our team will always keep you updated and informed.

Welcoming a Global Community

Over the years, we’ve welcomed many overseas visitors to our shop — and several have even travelled to Yorkshire to take part in our popular carving courses.

Our comprehensive rocking horse plans include full-size drawings, cutting lists, step-by-step photographs, and detailed instructions, making it easy for anyone to build a rocking horse — wherever in the world they may be.

All of our high-quality accessories are handmade by our dedicated team in our Yorkshire workshops and can be safely and easily shipped worldwide.

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