We spoke with Pete Rix at Rix & Co about the enduring craft of rocking horse making — from its historic roots to the careful restoration of antique pieces, and the skills required to keep the tradition alive today. Through their work and teaching at The Woodcarvers Studio, they continue to preserve and pass on a craft that remains as relevant as it is rare.
Could you introduce yourselves and explain what you do at Rix & Co and The Woodcarvers Studio?
My name is Pete Rix, and I am a Master Rocking Horse Maker and owner of Rix & Co. At Rix & Co, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rich heritage of traditional rocking horse craftsmanship — an enduring craft with roots stretching back centuries.
I have been carving since the age of 14 and feel honoured to combine my passions for creating, carving, and history in making unique and bespoke rocking horses. Each piece is hand-carved using time-honoured techniques, reflecting both the artistry and authenticity that define this historic tradition.
As well as creating new horses, my team and I also specialise in the careful restoration of antique rocking horses, preserving their character and ensuring they can be passed down through generations.
Through The Woodcarvers Studio, we extend this commitment to heritage by nurturing the future of the craft. We offer a range of practical courses, from traditional rocking horse making to introductory woodcarving, all grounded in the same historic skills and methods. Our aim is not only to teach, but to ensure these rare and valuable crafts continue to thrive for years to come.
Rocking horse carving has a long history in Britain — could you tell us a little about its origins and how the craft has evolved over time?
Rocking horses, as we recognise them today, have their origins in the Georgian period, though their story begins much earlier. It is widely believed that the earliest form, the ‘barrel horse’, dates back to medieval times, where it was used as a training aid for jousting, helping riders develop balance and control.
By the 18th century, the rocking horse had begun to evolve into a recognisable children’s toy, but it was during the Victorian era that it truly flourished. Its popularity was greatly influenced by Queen Victoria, whose well-known fondness for dapple-grey horses helped establish the now-iconic aesthetic that remains closely associated with traditional rocking horses today.
The classic image of a rocking horse mounted on elegant bow rockers — the curved wooden frame that allows the horse to move freely — remains enduring. However, from the 1880s onwards, the introduction of the ‘safety stand’ marked an important development. This design offered a smoother, more controlled motion and, importantly, improved safety for children, reducing the risk of trapped fingers and toes while providing a more realistic riding experience.
Despite these design evolutions, the craft itself has changed remarkably little over the centuries. While modern machinery may assist in the initial preparation of timber, the essence of the work remains firmly rooted in traditional hand skills. Each horse is still brought to life through careful carving with chisel and mallet, painted by hand, and finished with made-to-measure leatherwork — methods that connect today’s makers directly with generations of craftsmen before them.
When creating a new rocking horse today, how closely do you follow traditional methods, and where do you adapt for modern use?
When creating a new rocking horse today, we remain exceptionally faithful to traditional methods, as it is these time-honoured techniques that give each piece its distinctive character and authenticity. In particular, there is simply no substitute for hand carving; the subtle expression and individuality found in a horse’s face can only be achieved through the skilled use of chisel and mallet, just as it has been for generations.
Our finishing process is equally rooted in tradition. We continue to use gesso — a historic mixture of rabbit-skin glue and chalk — which is applied hot to the carved surface. This process not only prepares the wood for painting but also contributes to the smooth, refined finish associated with the finest antique horses. It is a time-intensive stage, requiring a curing period of around two weeks before any decoration can begin, but it is essential to achieving the depth and quality we strive for.
Where we do adapt is primarily in response to modern standards of safety and durability. While the craftsmanship remains traditional, the materials have evolved. For example, we now use modern, non-toxic paints in place of the lead-based finishes used historically, ensuring the horses are safe for contemporary family life without compromising on appearance.
In essence, our approach is to preserve the integrity of the craft while making considered adjustments that allow these pieces to be enjoyed safely and confidently in the present day — true to their heritage, yet relevant for modern generations.
Restoration forms a key part of your work — what does that process involve, and what do you look for when bringing an older piece back to life?
Restoration is something we approach with great care and respect. Each rocking horse carries its own history, and our aim is always to preserve as much of that originality as possible, retaining the character, patina, and craftsmanship that make each piece unique.
Every restoration begins with a careful assessment of the horse’s age, maker, and condition, alongside a close understanding of the client’s wishes. No two projects are ever the same; some horses require only sensitive conservation, while others — often those that have been heavily worn or previously altered — may need more extensive work.
In certain cases, this can involve structural rebuilding, re-carving elements of the horse, or a full repaint. Where this is necessary, we ensure that all work is carried out using traditional techniques and with a deep respect for the original maker’s intent, so that the finished piece remains true to its heritage.
Ultimately, restoration is about balance — preserving the past while giving the horse a renewed life. When done well, it allows these remarkable pieces not only to be admired, but to be enjoyed once again for generations to come.
Do you find that each restored horse carries its own story? Are there any that have particularly stayed with you?
Every horse we restore carries its own story, and it is often the family history behind each piece that we find most compelling. These horses are rarely just objects; they have names and form part of a family’s narrative, passed down through generations.
One that particularly stayed with us was a horse that had remained within the same family for four generations. It came to us at a special moment, as the owner had recently welcomed a new grandchild and wanted the horse fully restored for them to enjoy. We undertook a complete restoration, including the paintwork, stand, and a full set of replica leather tack, returning it to its former glory while preserving its significance within the family. Being part of that continuity — from past to present, and into the future — is always a privilege.
Alongside these personal stories, we also have the opportunity to work with rarer and historically significant horses. These pieces bring a different kind of reward, allowing us to study and better understand the craftsmanship of earlier makers. In many ways, we see ourselves as temporary custodians of these horses, entrusted with their care before they continue on their journey.
Alongside your workshop, you also run courses through The Woodcarvers Studio — what can people expect to learn, and who are these courses aimed at?
Alongside our work in making and restoring rocking horses, we offer a range of traditional woodcarving courses through The Woodcarvers Studio. These are designed both for those taking their first steps into woodcarving and for individuals who wish to undertake more ambitious projects, such as creating or restoring their own rocking horse.
No prior experience is necessary, and we welcome people from all walks of life, with many travelling from across the country to take part. Our courses are hands-on and rooted firmly in traditional techniques, giving participants the opportunity to learn skills that have been passed down through generations.
At the heart of this is a desire to preserve crafts that are increasingly at risk of being lost. By teaching these methods, we hope to ensure they continue into the future, rather than fading away. In an increasingly digital world, there is also something deeply valuable about working with one’s hands — these skills not only connect people to heritage and craftsmanship, but also offer a sense of focus, wellbeing, and satisfaction that is often hard to find elsewhere.
With traditional crafts increasingly under pressure, how do you see the future of rocking horse making and woodcarving in the UK?
The future of rocking horse making and woodcarving in the UK sits at something of a crossroads. These are crafts with a rich and enduring history, yet like many traditional skills, they are under increasing pressure. Without younger generations choosing to train as woodcarvers or seeing a viable career in craft, there is a real risk of decline — and of these skills remaining on, or returning to, the Heritage Crafts Red List.
That said, there are also encouraging signs. As we move towards a more sustainable and considered way of living, there is a growing appreciation for objects that are handmade, long-lasting, and rooted in tradition. In contrast to mass-produced goods, a hand-carved rocking horse offers authenticity, quality, and a sense of permanence — something that can be repaired, restored, and passed down through generations.
We believe the future of the craft depends on continuing to share these skills, raise awareness, and demonstrate their relevance in the modern world. By engaging new audiences — whether through education, courses, or simply telling the story behind the work — we can help ensure that traditional craftsmanship is not only preserved, but valued.
Ultimately, while the challenges are real, there is reason to be optimistic. If attitudes continue to shift towards heritage, sustainability, and craftsmanship, these skills will not only endure, but find renewed importance in the years ahead.
For someone interested in learning the craft, what advice would you give starting out today?
For anyone interested in learning woodcarving today, there are many accessible ways to begin, even without a large workshop or extensive equipment. A few simple, well-chosen tools are often enough to start developing fundamental skills.
However, I would always strongly recommend learning the basics from an experienced teacher wherever possible. Good guidance at the beginning is invaluable, not only in understanding technique, but also in learning how to work safely and with confidence.
Perhaps the most important advice is not to be afraid of making mistakes. Woodcarving is a craft learned through practice, correction, and repetition. Every mistake is part of the process, and often one of the most effective ways to improve. Alongside this, it is important to remain ambitious in your work — challenge yourself with each new piece, even if it feels slightly beyond your current ability.
Over time, patience, persistence, and curiosity will develop both skill and confidence. Like all traditional crafts, woodcarving rewards those who are willing to invest in the journey as much as the outcome.
Our thanks to Pete for his time and insight into a craft that continues to endure through skill, patience, and a deep respect for tradition.
You can follow the work of Rix & Co on Instagram at @rixandco and on Facebook here
Or explore more at www.rixand.co
For courses and further information on learning the craft, visit The Woodcarvers Studio at www.woodcarversstudio.com
Workshop Images by Rod Kirkpatrick/RKP Photography