FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, OUR HERITAGE HAS ENABLED US TO BE THE BEST AT WHAT WE DO. WE MAKE ALL OUR PRODUCTS IN OUR YORKSHIRE BASED WORKSHOPS, AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE MADE IN BRITAIN. FIND OUT MORE HERE
Designers, Makers & Restorers of Beautiful Rocking Horses Since 1976
Our History
A Brief History of The Rocking Horse Shop
Established 1976
The story of The Rocking Horse Shop began in 1976, when Anthony Dew designed and made his very first wooden rocking horse. Working from the garage of his family home with his wife by his side, he founded a small company called The Rocking Horse Winner.
Anthony’s belief was simple but ambitious — that the art of traditional rocking horse making could be revived and turned into a lifelong craft. His passion soon captured the imagination of others.
A Dream Takes Shape
In 1984, Anthony and his wife purchased an old butcher’s shop in Holme upon Spalding Moor, and with that, The Rocking Horse Shop was officially born. That same year, Anthony’s first book — Making Rocking Horses — was published by David & Charles, featuring designs for a large traditional horse, a smaller version on bows, and a toddler’s rocker.
Interest in the craft grew quickly. By the late 1980s, the company had two employees and was selling ten different rocking horse plans, complete with timber packs and accessories for customers eager to make their own.
Growth and Craftsmanship
In 1991, the company moved to Fangfoss in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where purpose-built workshops and a showroom were created to meet growing demand.
As part of the company’s Millennium celebrations, Anthony founded The Guild of Rocking Horse Makers — a community for like-minded enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional craft. The Guild continues to thrive today, connecting rocking horse makers from all over the world.
As Anthony looked towards retirement, the business passed on to Jane Cook, who had been successfully managing it for a number of years. Under Jane’s leadership, the company continued to evolve while staying true to its heritage — balancing traditional craftsmanship with a forward-looking approach.
Making History
By 2011, The Rocking Horse Shop was making and restoring hundreds of rocking horses every year, as well as publishing plans and supplying materials to makers worldwide. That same year, we made history with “Bigger Bertie” — a colossal rocking horse measuring 28 feet long and nearly 15 feet high. Recognised as the World’s Largest Rocking Horse, Bigger Bertie captured global media attention and became a symbol of our creativity and craftsmanship.
A Family Tradition
Since 2020, the company has been under the leadership of James and Becca, the current guardians of The Rocking Horse Shop. With a shared passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to the company’s heritage, they continue to uphold the values and traditions that have defined the business for nearly five decades.
Looking to the Future
As we approach our Golden Jubilee in 2026, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. What began as one man’s dream in a garage has grown into a world-renowned workshop — still rooted in the heart of Yorkshire, still devoted to craftsmanship, and still bringing joy to rocking horse lovers across the globe.
Today, The Rocking Horse Shop remains proudly family-run, continuing to build on nearly fifty years of experience. We still craft hand-made rocking horses in the traditional way, while also embracing new technologies where they enhance our work.
Alongside our bespoke creations, we continue to publish a wide range of plans — from simple weekend projects to fully carved heirloom pieces — helping to inspire the next generation of makers.
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Copyright ©The Rocking Horse Shop Ltd All Rights Reserved Registered in England No. 3733336 Registered offices: The Rocking Horse Shop, Main Street, Fangfoss, York, YO41 5JH
