Rocking horses have come a long way since we were young, and there are so many more options today. Some have springs, some have rockers, and some have wheels and motors. We’ve even tested models that talk or play music.
The choice can quickly become overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what features are necessary.
We’ve spent hours reading reviews and checking out dozens of rocking horses, dinos, unicorns, and even ducks. We’ve discovered some significant differences between models. We’ll discuss what features you should look for in a rocking toy, and we’ll thoroughly review the best rocking horses for kids of all ages.
Rock on!
- Cute and sturdy
- 3-side seat with belt
- Soft, stain-resistant fabric
- Cuddly
- Durable construction
- Three-position stirrup
- 3 levels of riding action
- Built-in safety straps
- Realistically designed
- Softly padded plush body
- Smooth rocking runners
- Lightweight and long-lasting
Benefits of Rocking Horses for Kids
Rocking horses are more than just fun toys. They offer a range of benefits for your child’s development:
- Using the leg muscles and core for balance and to improve mobility.
- The rocking movement can have a soothing effect.
- Encouraging creativity.
How to Choose a Rocking Horse
When evaluating the quality of rocking horses, we have some specific criteria we look for. The horse (or other animal) must be sturdy and stable, able to withstand rough play and last for years, and it needs to offer extra security features. We also appreciate if it’s affordable, attractive, and has a good amount of “rock” to it.
We’ll expand on these criteria to help you choose the best rocking horse for your child.
Sturdy & Stable
The rocking horse needs to have a stable base. This is for safety, allowing a rocking motion without your child tipping it over. A wood base will be your best bet, although some plastic models have decent safety features, too.
Extra Security Features
Everyone wants their child to be safe while they’re having fun. Extra security features will help protect your little one.
Some have a seat belt that wraps around their waist. Others have a saddle feature for added support and comfort when your child is rocking. If your “rocking” horse is more of a ride-on, look for one with a brake that’s easy for your child to access.
A plush unit can protect from bangs and bruises if your little one is a wild rider, but if you’re looking at a handcrafted wooden unit, ensure it has been sanded well to prevent splinters. If you have an older rocking horse that’s painted, it’s a good idea to confirm that the paint is lead-free.
Product Reviews
Here are 13 great rocking horses to consider.
Little Tikes Blue Rocking Horse
Indoor and Outdoor Play
If you have a young toddler, you may want to consider this classic rocking horse. It comes fully assembled for instant fun. We love that its plastic construction is easy to clean.
It’s also ideal for indoor and outdoor use. The seat has a high back to stop your child from falling backward. The handles are easy for small hands to grip, and it has a high front, so they can’t lose their balance. When my kids were young, they spent hours trying to rock this horse over, but I can confirm that it’s tip-proof — and a lot of fun!
Animal Adventures Plush Unicorn Rocker
Magical Adventures
Let your princess go on an adventure with this colorful pink unicorn. The unicorn is plush, with the base made from durable wood. It has embroidered details and seat accessories; the company didn’t miss the realistic touch.
The wooden handles and comfortable, wide seat will help your child feel supported as they rock back and forth manually.
Labebe Unicorn Rocker
Best for Girls
This award-winning rocker is sure to be a win for any little princess. It’s ultra-soft and has sturdy construction with a durable wooden rocker.
Your little one can sit on the well-padded, three-sided seat, and you can fasten them in with the safety belt for added security. The plush fabric is even stain-resistant in case of accidents. The sweet accents on this rocking horse are just too cute.
Rockin' Rider Talking Spring Horse
Best Talking Horse
For something interactive, cute, and a little bit hilarious — check out this spring horse that talks. When you press the ears, the horse will sing “I’m a Little Pony,” speak six phrases and make additional sound effects. Not only that, but the mouth moves in sync with the noises, so it looks pretty realistic!
The sturdy steel frame and useful stirrups mean your child can sit comfortably on this horse and ride it as long as their heart desires. The soft plush design also means it’s great for cuddling.
PonyCycle Horse Ride-on Toy
Rocking Ride
Allow your child to experience the thrill of horseback riding without the fear of their safety. This little pony is ready to ride with a cushioned saddle for comfort. The handles help your child stay upright while they use their legs to “pump” the horse into a galloping motion. They’ll be havin so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re exercising!
Our favorite features are its durable construction and non-wearing wheels. This makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor play, and you don’t have to worry about scratches on your floor. Equipped with a hand brake, this enables your child to have full control of their ride.
There are sturdy wheels on this rocking horse, so it won’t tip. This size is suitable for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds weighing up to 55 pounds. However, you can also choose from two larger sizes, one for kids ages 4 to 9 and weighing less than 88 pounds, or one for kids over age 7, weighing up to 176 pounds. These quality horses provide fun for the whole family!
Radio Flyer Champion Interactive Rocking Horse
Learn to Ride
Champion is a rocking horse that encourages imagination, makes sounds, and feels soft to the touch. Your little one can feed Champion the included carrot and listen while he makes chewing sounds. They can also use the comb to brush its mane.
The best part is that this is an interactive spring rocking horse. This means it responds to the movement. There are three riding actions: walking, trotting, and galloping. This solid rocking horse has built-in straps and a strong, sturdy base.
Qaba Frog Style Rocker
Best for Safety
Do you want to ensure your young child is safe while rocking? Check out this fun frog. It’s constructed from padded and plush polyester and has a chair to relax in.
There’s a safety belt included. It has a wooden base for sturdiness, and it’s easy to store and move around. We also love that your child can press the frog’s eyes to hear a soft lullaby. This, combined with the gentle rocking movement, is sure to get them sleepy.
Labebe Rocking Elephant
Sturdy & Sweet
If your child is young and needs support, this award-winning elephant may be a fabulous rocker for them. The full seat has high sides to keep them upright and a wooden frame that runs all the way around.
Don’t forget that you can soothe your child with music. Just press the ear of the cute elephant, and they can listen to the songs. The elephant comes in a pink or blue option, and there are many other animals to choose from.
Qaba Kids Ride On Rocking Horse
Lullaby Buddy
One of the great things about this rocking horse is its super soft plush seat. It also has a sing-along feature, so your child can sing their heart out. It’s an adorably cute brown color and is all ready to ride with its saddle and bridle.
The solid wood base is excellent for rocking back and forth, making it one of the most durable on the market.
Kids ages 3 and up will enjoy the rocking adventure.
Rocking Haley Rocking Horse
Cowgirl or Cowboy?
Now your little one can saddle up and take the reins with their own Appaloosa horse. They can ride like they’re on a ranch with this adorable grey and white speckled wooden rocking horse.
It’s handcrafted with a wooden core and base, ideal for rocking. It’s not going to flip, so you can let your child rock away without having to worry. This model is designed for kids ages 2 to 3 years.
Qaba Kids Plush Ride-On Rocking Horse
Best for Boys
Let your child’s imagination run wild as they ride this mystical horse. Your little one can have fun making up stories and going on adventures. It’s made from polypropylene cotton, plush, steel, a wood base and has a rocker.
There’s some balance required for this rocker, with a recommended age of 1 to 3 years old. However, it’s easy to climb onto and has wooden handles to grip.
Hape Wooden Rocking Horse
The Traditional Rocking Horse
You can bring fond memories back to life with this traditional rocking horse. It’s suitable for children from as young as 10 months up to 3 years.
It’s constructed from quality wood, and the base allows for gentle rocking or galloping. There’s a wide seat accompanied by large handles to hold onto.
We appreciate the safety features. The adjustable guardrail is great for babies, alongside the backrest you can lower as your little one get older.
Qaba Brown Rocking Horse
Giddy-Up and Have Fun
The plush fur of this rocking horse is so soft it could be mistaken for the real thing! Your child can feel like a professional, thanks to the saddle with stirrups and the red bandana. They can also listen to the galloping and neighing noises when they press an ear.
It has a solid metal rocker with a plush polyester body, and it comes fully assembled.
Rocking Horse FAQs
What is a Victorian Rocking Horse?
A Victorian rocking horse is a classic style of rocking horse that originated in the Victorian era. It’s typically made of wood and characterized by its detailed carving and sturdy construction.
What are the Benefits of Rocking Horses?
Rocking horses help develop a child’s balance, coordination, and strength. They also stimulate imagination and provide a source of exercise and fun.
What Age is Appropriate For Rocking Horses?
Rocking horses are typically appropriate for children aged one to three years, but always check the specific age recommendation for the rocking horse you choose and ensure it matches your child’s development.
What is the Best Wood For a Rocking Horse?
The best wood for a rocking horse is typically hardwood such as oak, ash, or beech for its durability and strength. However, softer woods like pine are sometimes used for lighter, more affordable options.
Are Spring Rocking Horses Safe?
Spring rocking horses can be safe if they are well-made, properly maintained, and used under adult supervision. Ensure they are placed on a suitable surface, and the child is the appropriate age and weight for the toy.
How Tall Should a Rocking Horse Be?
The height of a rocking horse should correspond to the child’s size, allowing their feet to touch the ground comfortably when seated. Typically, the saddle height ranges from 12 to 24 inches off the ground for toddlers.
