Rocking Horse

[Kevin Swindle]

I have seen several very nice examples of this same rocking horse posted here in the past. Here is my version, built for my first Grandson. It's made with maple and walnut, finished with Arm-R-Seal. Thanks for looking.

[Tyler Howell]

Thanks for Sharing Kev. Very Nice!;)

[Bob Hovde]

Very nice horse, and I'm sure he'll love it - but wouldn't it be easier for him to climb up on it if it had foot rests?

Bob

[Kevin Swindle]

Very nice horse, and I'm sure he'll love it - but wouldn't it be easier for him to climb up on it if it had foot rests?

Bob

Bob, Thanks for your kind comments and yes it could use some foot rests. I just haven't figured out a good way to add them. They were not part of the original plan and adding them now without making it look like an after-thought has been a challenge.

[Bob Hovde]

Bob, Thanks for your kind comments and yes it could use some foot rests. I just haven't figured out a good way to add them. They were not part of the original plan and adding them now without making it look like an after-thought has been a challenge.

You could duplicate the handle posts with a slightly larger dowel through the front shoulders.

Bob

[Dick Parr]

Very nice Kevin.....

[Dan Smith]

Very nice.
I have made the same horse a couple of times.

I am sure it will be enjoy it for many years.

-dan

[Frank Pellow]

Three years ago, I made a rocking horse that looks very much like yours for my graddaughter Isla. We appear to have used the same plan. Isla's was constructed from walnut and pine.

I am happy to report that the rocking horse has had a lot of use. Here is a picture of Isla's brother Ethan using it this afternoon.

[Earl Reid]

Nice rocking horse Kevin, they make nice gifts for the grand children.I'v made several smaller ones.
Earl

[Kirk (KC) Constable]

Very nice. :)

I've never built a horsie, but I think I'm gonna do it just to put in the living room to look at. :)

[Bob Hovde]

Bob, Thanks for your kind comments and yes it could use some foot rests. I just haven't figured out a good way to add them. They were not part of the original plan and adding them now without making it look like an after-thought has been a challenge.

Kevin,

Frank's picture has a better solution for foot rests than my dowel suggestion. The step bar on the rockers is a better place for climbing up.

Bob

[Frank Pellow]

Kevin,

Frank's picture has a better solution for foot rests than my dowel suggestion. The step bar on the rockers is a better place for climbing up.

Bob

Yes the step seems to work quite well. I made the step so that, if we ever wanted to remove it, then it would be quite easy to do so. I can provide details if you would like me to.

[Dale Thompson]

Kevin,

I've had the same question asked as to the foot rest. Pegs would be OK but kids have a tendency to grow. The step idea above is a good one. I've thought about adding some leather stirrups with snaps which would make it adjustable. I'm just not sure how to do it yet?

Dale T.

[Kevin Swindle]

Yes the step seems to work quite well. I made the step so that, if we ever wanted to remove it, then it would be quite easy to do so. I can provide details if you would like me to.

Thanks Frank, I would appreciate details on your footrest. I have thought of something similar but I like your idea of having it removable.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Kevin, looks like another satisfied grandchild is going to be riding off into the sunset whistling "Happy Trails..." :D Seriously, nice job with this one. The wood selection makes it look just right. Thanks for sharing.

[Frank Pellow]

Thanks Frank, I would appreciate details on your footrest. I have thought of something similar but I like your idea of having it removable.

Kevin, I will get you the details but it will have to wait until a week from today when I am next down at my duaghter's house. At that point, I will take some more pictures of the step itself, at least one with the step removed.

[Shelley Bolster]

Really pretty horse Kevin - have you named it yet? Dale, I was thinking along the same lines as you - an adjustable strap of sorts, that can be lengthened as the child grows. While I was waiting for the woodstove in the shop to get going (yes - it's cold enough up here for a fire) I played around with this idea.
http://www.woodshopphotos.com/albums/shelleyswoodstuff/101_2090.sized.jpg

In an already built horse like Kevins, I thought you could build a "hanger" and attach it to just under the saddle. (of course hiding the screw heads with dowels or plugs) You could use leather (like the belt in the picture), nylon belting or even a heavy wieght fabric such as denim. Real life stirrups are often adjusted using a buckle but heavy duty snaps would work also. I'm even thinking that one could use velcro - that stuff can really hold. Then just fashion a pair of stirrups and Giddy-Up.
Because this was just a real quick "proto-type", looking at it now, I think I would make it an oval shape. Also, could make the mortise narrower so that stapping wouldn't move around. Also, when it is my time to build one, I think I will make the mortise right into the body of the horse but would probably be a little difficult on one already made.
Hope it gave you an idea that you can improve upon. Happy Trails!

Shelley

[Lou Morrissette]

Nice job Kevin. Makes me want to build one (two?) for my twin grandsons.:)

[Brad Hammond]

I have seen several very nice examples of this same rocking horse posted here in the past. Here is my version, built for my first Grandson. It's made with maple and walnut, finished with Arm-R-Seal. Thanks for looking.

hey, that's premo-nice!!!
one quick question. how thick is the body? i think i've got that same plan, but i dont think i was impressed by the thickness of the body.

thanx
brad

[Kevin Swindle]

hey, that's premo-nice!!!
one quick question. how thick is the body? i think i've got that same plan, but i dont think i was impressed by the thickness of the body.

thanx
brad

Brad,

You may have the same plan. I got mine free with my Grizzly table saw. The body of the horse is 1 1/2" thick and I think if I built another I would make it a little thicker. I think the legs are much too thin as well and would change them a bit too.

[Dale Thompson]

Dale, I was thinking along the same lines as you - an adjustable strap of sorts, that can be lengthened as the child grows. While I was waiting for the woodstove in the shop to get going (yes - it's cold enough up here for a fire) I played around with this idea.
I'm even thinking that one could use velcro - that stuff can really hold. Then just fashion a pair of stirrups and Giddy-Up.
Hope it gave you an idea that you can improve upon. Happy Trails!

Shelley

Shelley,
VELCRO!! What a GREAT idea. I'm going down to see the little rugrat next weekend. I'm going to bring my "leather-working" stuff but I'm also going to get some velcro material. Repeating, "What a GREAT idea"!! :D
Thank you soooo much!! :)

By the way, don't feel alone. I've had my fireplace going a few times so far also. No problem. I can make scrap faster than the thermometer can drop! :( Am I great - or what? :confused:

Dale T.

[Shelley Bolster]

Hey Dale, your welcome, sure hope it works for you. Make sure you take along a camera so you can post a picture.
Shelley

[Frank Pellow]

Kevin, I will get you the details but it will have to wait until a week from today when I am next down at my daughter's house. At that point, I will take some more pictures of the step itself, at least one with the step removed.

Sorry Kevin, I only got back to my daughter's house (where the rocking horse resides) two days ago. I am attaching two pictures. The first shows the temporary step inserted between two of the slats and the second shows how I attached the step from below.