How to Make a Rocking Horse

Horses are a part of every child's fantasy. Girls pretend to be princesses living in large castles with a pet unicorn. Boys love to pretend to be knights in shining armor, riding a big black horse. All toddlers love to have a rocking horse as a toy. They get immense joy by imagining horse riding their rocking horses. You may find many varieties of these wooden toys in your local toy shops. But if you have a hidden carpenter inside you and love woodworking, won't you love to build one for your little angel? Then, the following instructions will help you make a rocking horse in your workshop or garage.

Make Your Own Rocking Horse
In order to build your own rocking horse you will need some supplies and instruments.

Tools

• Jig saw or band saw
• Hand saw or table saw
• Drill with bits at 3/8". 5/8", ¾" and 1 3/8" bits
• Block plane
• Divider or compass
• Clamps
• File
• Dust Mask and Hearing Protection

Building Material

• 1 - 2" x 10" x 8' Spruce
• Leather-like material for ears
• Wood glue
• (14) 2 1/2" #10 Screws
• (10) 1 3/4" #8 Screws
• (14) 3/8" Plugs
• Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
• Finish Materials

Instruction to Make a Rocking Horse

• Choose a pattern available from magazines, websites, etc. Choose a design that is simple and easy to build.
• Draw a full-size paper or a cardboard template of the rocking horse. Keep in mind that all the edges of the wooden rocking horse should be gently rounded. Use non-toxic finishing materials. The entire horse should be built from the 2"x10"x8' single wood block. Trace the templates onto the wood and cut the pieces according to the outline. The rockers should be larger than 1/2", as they should be strong enough to sustain rough handling by a child.
• Now cut the wood using the saw you have chosen to trace the outline of the horse. Don't forget to mark the important areas, where the finishing materials are to be added later on. Keeping the grain of the wood in mind, cut the wood in a single direction. The direction gives a special look to the head, tail and mane.
• Assemble the pieces of the rocking horse according to the plan. Wood glue and wood clamps can be used to piece together the wooden parts. Let the glue dry thoroughly before unclamping the wood clamps.
• Use sandpaper of 220 girt and scrub the wood to remove any unevenness in the wood. Then, use the 120 girt sandpaper, to make the surface smoother. Use paint to color your horse, and apply a protective varnish.
• Use the wool or nylon rope to make the mane of the horse. Use a sturdy cloth material or quilt to make the saddle as the child must feel comfortable, when sitting on the rocking horse. It should be 3/4th the length of your child's legs and the stirrup should be shorter than the leg of the horse. This gives support to the child when he is sitting on the saddle.

Remember to use a protective gear when making your rocking horse. Now, you are ready to surprise your child with your homemade rocking horse. Enjoy the joyful giggles and innumerable smiles of your little angel rocking on the wooden horse. Making a rocking horse will surely make you the 'Dad in Shining Amour' in the eyes of your child.