Rockin" Rocking Horse

[Tom Hamilton]

Hi All: Here's a little project a friend did that you all may enjoy seeing:

Rocking Horse SMC 1.jpg

The maker is the 35 year old twin brother of a Dallas friend. The maker retrieved a large red cedar log from Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington. The entire horse body is one piece carved from this log. The first tool was a chain saw progressing to fine carving tools later on.

Originally the horse was on hind legs in rearing position and meant to be a stand-up statue. When the maker learned he would be an “Uncle” he converted the stature concept into a rocking horse by cutting off the base and adding rockers, etc. The horse now appears to be running but the legs are still in rearing position. The entire project was completed in three years of part time work.

The horse is in Dallas ready for the maker’s nephew, born in May 2008, to ride.

Here is a list of materials and their origin.
Body: Red cedar retrieved from Puget Sound
Rockers: Laminated mahogany, teak, oak and ironwood.
Eyes: Inlaid ironwood from Mexico.
Upright: Oak with steel rod inside.
Base: Purple heart
Teeth: Deer leg bone carved.
Horseshoes: Purchased in Guatemala and modified to fit.
Saddle Blanket: Purchased in Ecuador.
Saddle: Carved from oak and purple heart.
Stirrups: Brass purchased in Nepal.
Bit: Purchased in India and modified to fit.
Leather: Purchased in Montana.
Also, there is a “time capsule” built into the center of the horse. There is no way to get to it because the hole (cut into the bottom of it) has been patched up and lacquered over.
Best regards, Tom, in Houston, thinking WOW!

[Mike Heidrick]

That looks a lot nicer than the RadioFlyer #300 Liberty Spring Horse picture you had up there a minute ago. I was trying to figure out a nice way to break the news to you.

[Bill Huber]

Tom, that looks better .........

For the life of me I could not figure out how in the world he made that look so smooth and with no grain in it..

Now that is a real piece of art in my book, great work.

[Jim Dunn]

I'm glad not to see Radio on this one.

A real piece of beautiful workmanship.

[Mike McCann]

wow that is amazing.

[Tom Hamilton]

Yes, we had a little problem, Houston, on launch. But, thankfully, have the right photo now.

Perhaps the night shift will enjoy this also.

Tom

[Mike Heidrick]

I think the nephew would appreciate it more if someone put it in glass on display until he could afford a house with a special room to keep it in. This is no toy for a child IMO.

[John Shuk]

Absolutely amazing.

[Pete London]

Tom,

Truly a heirloom piece if I ever saw one. I marvel at work like that, just marvel. Fantastic job!

Pete