A: The intended use of your horse; display, or rocking, will significantly impact the design.

A display horse has very few limitations in size, position and tack.

A horse for use must take into account the rider's size and age and the type of rocker system being implemented. Rider safety being primary, saddle and tack layout would potentially also be affected.

A: There are several alternatives available for motion. A plinth or base designed as a "stage" for a display horse offers an elegant possibility. Having the horse simply standing on your floor offers beautiful simplicity.

We offer three types of rocking systems: the classic bow rocker, a safety stand or our own proprietary rocking system.

Bow rockers offer the most spirited ride and may be the most beautiful in and of them selves. With vigorous rocking these do tend to walk across a room, potentially bumping into something (or someone).

The safety stand made popular during the Victorian era, the high point of English rocking horse craft, offers a stable base over which the horse swings. It is in fact quite a bit safer for both rider and room. This stand however limits leg position to an outstretched position.

Our rocking system, while similar to the safety-stand, offers support centrally to the horse, allowing almost unlimited variability in leg position.

A: The size of your horse depends mostly upon intended use. With display horses there really is no size limit.

For horses for small children and their dolls a size of 20 - 24 inches is common.

For riders up to the age of about ten years a length of 48 - 52 inches is usual. Larger more spectacular horses and other beasts of course will vary with the details.

A: Our goal is to allow our owners to have their dream.

If your dream is "a horse of another color" than we will do everything within our power to make it happen.

Being that every horse is completely customized, the creation of another beast would simply allow our artisan to stretch his wings.

Another possibility would be the inclusion of another animal as part of the tack - say a brace of rabbits behind the saddle.

A: Deciding on the features of the saddle is as exciting a process as the rest of your horse. The personalization to the rider, family or establishment becomes apparent with the tack which can mean the inclusion of a family crest on an armored horse, saddle bags bearing the riders name or a mountain lion skin lashed to a pinto's back. The form of the tack can take any form you and our artisan can dream up.

Another possibility is having the horse bare back and adding an actual small sized saddle.

A: The decision between carved or real horse hair mane and tail is worthy of consideration. Real hair lends movement and an authenticity to the carving. Children can braid the hair or put bows in it; or comb it with a small curry comb.

Carved hair has an energy and beauty which is unmatchable. The mane and tail could be permanently flying or calm — the choice is yours. Details such as flowers, beads or simply a carved bridle and martingale can also be added to a carved mane.

A: The addition of horse shoes will undoubtedly add authenticity to your horse unless of course your design calls for a wild or mythological horse. Also specific types of shoes could be designed for geographic and time authenticity.

A: Emotional content expressed by the horse is what will really set your horse apart from all others. A gentle stylized English rocker may be the dream of your sweet little one. A fiercely gazing war horse may set their mind wondering of battles gone by.

A: Each custom horse has unique design, fabrication and material considerations. A very complex carving will of course necessitate greater expenditure of time and materials. The price will vary reflecting these considerations. Contact us and we can give you an estimate based on your requirements.