Vintage rocking horses have been the much loved toy of children for centuries. They have remained a popular present, and cherished heirloom still found in baby nurseries and playrooms the world over. But where did these wonderful toys comes from? The toys found in today’s antiques shops have a long and fascinating history. And like all great tales, the story of the rocking horse includes princesses and kings, children and most of all magic. The original version is said to have been inspired by the wheeled, wooden horses used by swordsmen during the middle ages. Though these wooden horses were not toys but training tools, they sparked the imagination of toy makers and led to the development of what we now know as the toy rocking horse. The traditional design which has become increasingly popular with children, complete with saddle details, rocking base, reins and painted accessories was introduced to well-to-do children in the middle of the 18th century.

In the 19th century, as a result of the industrial revolution, these toys started to be made in abundance and were accessible to families from all walks of life. However, the vintage rocking horse design so collectable today did not become popular until it was given “royal approval” from a very special young queen. Unlike other toys, as time went by, love for these horses did not dwindle, but rather grew and spread. The horse toys collected today range from elaborate carousel designs of the 18th century to more modern models which were mass-produced and purchased in the 1900s. If you are a collector interested in purchasing a vintage rocking horse, do your homework and enjoy the history! After all, it is the story behind a collection which really makes the magic come alive.

When a newborn baby enters the world, meaningful gifts await. The rocking horse has been a well received gift since the 17th century, when Socrates is rumored to have played with them. Although rocking horses aren’t manufactured widely as they once were, many gift companies strive to keep their tradition alive. There exists a unique story or tale behind each rocking horse gift set.

In a land up high in the sky lives a special breed of winged rocking horses. They spend their days frolicking and playing in airy meadows. They lead a happy life up in the clouds, but each winged rocking horse dreams of the day they are called upon for a very special job—to safely fly a newborn baby to its loving family on Earth. The winged rocking horse also carries treats and delivers a special message to welcome the new baby to the world. Once the baby and family are united, the winged rocking horse assumes a special place in the nursery to keep a watchful eye on the little one.

Sending one of these winged rocking horses to celebrate the birth of newborn baby has been a tradition since the 1980s. It has gone through several incarnations over the years, but the wooden horse has always been handpainted with care. Each winged rocking horse is personalized with the newborn’s name, birthdate, and height/weight information on one side, and has a touching poem on the other side of the horse: Babies are Angels that fly down to Earth, Their wings disappear at the time of their birth. One look into their eyes and we’re never the same, They’re a part of us now and that part has a name. That part of your heart and a bond that won’t sever, Our babies are Angels, we love them forever.