The Rocking Horse Shop

• Balance and Coordination:

The act of rocking helps toddlers learn to find and maintain their balance, while also developing coordination between their hands, arms, legs, and feet. 

• Muscle Strength:

Toddlers build muscle strength, particularly in their core and upper body, as they use their muscles to stay upright and control the rocking motion. 

• Fine & Gross Motor Skills:

The larger movements required for rocking and gripping the horse's reins contribute to gross motor skill development, while finer manipulations help develop fine motor skills. 

• Sensory Input:

The rhythmic motion provides sensory input and can stimulate the vestibular system, which is crucial for a sense of balance. 

• Imagination and Creative Play:

The gentle rocking motion sparks a child's imagination, allowing them to embark on imaginary adventures and create stories. Whether it is pretending to be their favourite princess riding her chosen horse or a hero cowboy raising across the plains.

• Understanding Body Awareness:

Toddlers learn to understand their own bodies, weight, and the relationship between their actions and the resulting reactions. 

• Social Skills:

When children play together with a rocking horse, they can learn to share, cooperate, and take turns, building important social skills with adults and children.

• Soothing Effect:

The rhythmic, soothing motion can have a calming and relaxing effect, helping to reduce anxiety in some children.