REFERENCE BOOKS
email for further information
A selection of rocking horse books are available here
SWING STAND OR BOWS?
Bows are the earlier design and they are perhaps the most elegant shape. They give a great ride with a long swing. The
disadvantages are that they take up more space, move across the floor somewhat when ridden fast and if you get your foot
under the bow it really hurts, just like a real horse standing on your foot. Most people learn to avoid having their toes
trodden on.
Swing stands date from about 1880 and look a bit more complicated. They do not move around when ridden, don't stamp on
feet, and take up a little less space that bow rockers. They have a choppier action which is partly dependent on the
setting of the swing irons. Children still have to learn how to use them properly - the moving parts could pinch.
Rocking horses are not suitable for children under 3 years old
to play with unless they are very closely supervised by an adult. Children from 3 and older also need teaching
how to play with their horse safely.