Rocking horses have been made for hundreds of years.  The earliest examples date back to the times of Charles I. The first are reputed to have been made in Germany, however the most well known designs originated in England in the late Georgian and early Victorian times.

The traditional English dappled grey rocking horse, was developed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, becoming the style of choice during the Victorian era.

To begin with only the wealthiest parents could afford such a luxury item, however the industrial revolution brought about a larger and wealthier middle class, and the demand flourished.

During this time, rocking horses were produced in huge numbers, the dappled grey being the most popular variety. The dappled grey horse was a favourite of King George IV, Queen Victoria also presented these horses to her children.

Indeed the royal family's love of rocking horses increased popularity of these beautiful toys and the nation's enthusiasm blossomed.

Victorian rocking horses were mounted on a rocker, until Philip Marqua of America invented the swing iron safety stand in 1880.