The Rocking Horse Shop

Thank you to one of our newest Guild Members, Chip Eisley from Arizona USA for sending us this selection of images of his most recent horses. After building a number of horses, he set about designing and building an American Quarter Horse, which is now on display at the Arizona State Fair – Good Luck!

Here is his write up from the show: 

Trixie: A Memorial Rocking Horse with a Champion’s Spirit
Trixie, a beloved 26-year-old registered American Quarter Horse, was a roping legend whose spirit galloped through Arizona’s arenas. Her owner, a devoted cowboy, rode her with pride for decades, their bond forged in the dust of countless competitions. As Trixie’s health waned, her family commissioned me to craft this hand-carved rocking horse as a lasting tribute to her legacy. Trixie stands before you, a memorial as vibrant as the mare herself.
Every detail of this working rocking horse honors Trixie’s life. Her spots and markings mirror photographs and stories shared by her family, while her mane and tail are crafted from Trixie’s own horsehair, preserving her essence. The bone-white saddle, hand-stitched and carved, replicates the one she wore during her roping days. Inside Trixie’s hollow frame lies a time capsule, safeguarding her American Quarter Horse certification, roping photos, and cherished family memories, sealed forever.
Inspired by my first rocking horse, built for my granddaughter, Trixie represents a new tradition. Noticing the absence of Quarter Horse-inspired rocking horses, I created her to celebrate America’s iconic breed and the horsemanship that defines our heritage. Trixie embodies resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider.
At the Arizona State Fair, Trixie invites you to honor her story—a champion’s spirit rocking on for future generations. May she inspire you to cherish the legacies that shape us.
Crafted with reverence by Chip Eisley, St Johns, Arizona