This horse was really fun to build. It’s another project out of Woodsmith magazine, which I think is absolutely the best at providing details on how to approach a project, and their illustrations. The finished horse is roughly 3′ tall, 3′ long, and I think about 13" wide at the foot pegs. The rocker approaches 5′ in length and about 18" wide. It can be made from just about any wood you choose, but I used 2×12 pine planks, and 1×6 or 1×8 pine. The mane and tail are simply clumps of 4-ply yarn attached to the finished horse with heavy wire staples at close intervals. The ears, saddle, bridle and reins are all hand cut from a piece of tooling leather; soaked and formed to the body; then tacked on to the body. When the leather dries, it shrinks to a nice tight fit. A pair of 1" craft eyes are the only other notable materials. With a bandsaw and a couple other process changes, you could really produce these in quantity; but my reason for making this is simple – I won’t be able to give my grandson all the riches or money in the world. However, I think he may have this horse long after I’m gone. Maybe he can give it to his son…..or grandson.
