The Rocking Horse Shop

My love for the old-world traditional rocking horse came about in a rather unusual way. I have a fine art background thanks in part to my father, Franklin, now retired. He was an art teacher at a local public high school and also taught art history at a branch campus of Penn State University. We both have a passionate appreciation for carousel horses and picked up a book on ‘Carving a Carousel Horse’ while browsing through our local bookstore in 1992. Together we began the fun of trying our hand at building and carving a carousel horse and soon started tooling up a small woodshop in the back of my parent’s garage. 

Unfortunately, making a living got in the way and I had to shelve the book for a few years.  I was offered an opportunity to work for Wal-Mart’s store planning division in Bentonville, Arkansas and that job had me over seeing store setups throughout the United States. As I set out on this new career path, I continued to think about that book sitting on the shelf. I constructed and carved many horses in my imagination while traveling. After four years of driving around the country, living in hotel rooms, eating the same foods at different restaurants etc. I decided it was time to move back to my hometown. Don’t get me wrong, I loved working for Wal-Mart and all the traveling, seeing new places and meeting people, but the one thing I didn’t expect was the loneliness. Being in a new area every two weeks took its toll on me and I really wanted to begin my new, woodworking adventure.

Back home dad and I continued our discussions and planning. I took the book off the shelf and set to work. Now, keep in mind I was a novice wood worker at best and knew nothing of woodcarving. I guess I had that “Go big or go home” kind of attitude.  After making the necessary plans and patterns and gluing up a large body, I started carving and it didn’t take long before I decided that I needed help. I reached out to Mansfield, Ohio, only two hours away from my home to a company that teaches the art of carousel horse carving. I loaded my ‘horse’ in the truck and headed off to learn from masters.  They were kind to spend an intense week with me and I absorbed as much as I could about wood carving and other various techniques.

Now equipped with this new knowledge I decided it might be a good idea to look for something smaller to practice on. That’s when, strictly by chance, I found the book by Anthony Dew. (Remember, the internet at this time was still fairly new.) It was exactly what I was looking for. What I loved about his book was the fact that the horses were constructed the exact same way carousel horses are. To be honest, my father didn’t see what I saw and wanted me to continue with carving full size carousel horses, but I knew there was something special about these pony rockers. (I have a fun story I’ll share shortly.)

I quickly ordered plans, a VHS tape and all of the tack from the Rocking Horse Shop and before long, I had, what I considered to be, a respectfully carved rocking horse. That was it. I was hooked! I couldn’t wait to start another one.

Now, twenty years later, I have built a boutique business, give lessons and instruction and what I consider to be a big feather in my cap is a lasting friendship I have formed with the fine folks at the Rocking Horse Shop. It is great to be able to rely on their skill, quality leather work and accessories to complete my horses.  
For the past 17 years I have been blessed to be one of the premier attractions at a large artisan show in Ohio. The show has been running for over 35 years and is one of the largest in the United States. I have the wonderful opportunity to introduce people to the art and history of making traditional rocking horses over three weekends in August annually. I am a people person and embrace demonstrating carving techniques and talking to crowds of people, many of which, have never seen anything like these ponies or knew they even existed. I especially love watching the kids interact with them, many of whom I let climb on and go for a quick ride, braid the mane and tail or some just simply want to pet and hug them. You can always tell they made a connection by the twinkle in their eye and smiles. 

We all know this particular horse design and style has been around for centuries, so I’m continually redefining and adding subtle changes, allowing them to reflect my own style while keeping the overall design traditional. I have always enjoyed painting whether it is on canvas or other mediums and this is one more area for me to expand on, so much so that I love to play with paint and colors in ways that give the horse more depth. Traditionally they are usually hand-painted, but I wanted to incorporate my airbrush abilities and so far, it has proven to be a hit with the customers. I still offer the traditional hand painted horse depending on the customers preference. My favorite horses so far are my blood bay and my buckskins because of the color variations and depth; to see them up close, customers are drawn to them and I have trouble keeping them in stock! 

Occasionally, a client may ask for something other than a rocking horse and I’m always eager to try something new. To date, I’ve added to my portfolio a fun whimsical giraffe, a large elephant on 7’ rockers and made Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on a safety stand complete with candy cane posts and gold trim. 
Let me share the fun story I mentioned.  In the beginning my dad was not a big fan of the rocking horses. He appreciated my work but understandably wanted to see the next level a ‘full size carousel horse’.  After a few years of carving and some sales under my belt, it was time to present my work publicly.  The first year of the Ohio Artisans Show, and watching all the excitement, smiles and some enthusiastic sales and orders, on the drive home dad looked at me and said, “You know, I really think you’re onto something here.” I smiled at him and said “I told you”.  

Happy Carving…

Brett Schroyer
Greenfield Woodworks