Honouring the horses who leave hoofprints on our hearts.
There is something truly special about a vintage rocking horse. Crafted by hand, often many decades ago, each carries its own history — a testament to the skill, patience and craftsmanship of the makers who created them.
Built from timber, shaped with care and finished with an attention to detail rarely seen today, these beautiful horses were made to be treasured. They have stood in nurseries, graced family homes and been part of childhood memories, often passing through generations. Each has a story of its own, and I believe that story deserves to be preserved.
The Heirloom Horse is about honouring that history while creating something entirely new.
I carefully source genuine, vintage, wooden rocking horses, choosing each for its individual character, construction, quality and craftsmanship. Rather than simply restoring them to their former appearance, I seek to preserve the integrity and spirit of the original piece — respecting the work of the maker while preparing it for its next chapter.
Through a bespoke transformation, each rocking horse is given a new identity: a beautiful, individual representation of a much-loved horse.
Working from photographs and personal references, I recreate the markings, colouring and distinctive features that make each horse recognisable to the people who know and love them. The aim is not simply to create a likeness, but to capture something of the horse's presence and personality.
For those who wish to include an even more personal connection, a small amount of their horse's tail hair can be thoughtfully incorporated into the finished piece.
For horses who have passed and been cremated, a small keepsake vial containing a portion of their ashes can be carefully enclosed within a specially created cavity in the rocking horse, which is then securely sealed.
The result is more than a restored rocking horse. It is the meeting of two histories — the heritage of a beautifully crafted vintage piece and the memory of a horse who has left an indelible mark on someone's life.
A second life for a treasured heirloom. A lasting tribute to a much-loved horse.
Each piece is individually selected, thoughtfully transformed and created to be treasured for generations to come.
A Little About Your Artist
Having spent several years creating commissioned animal portraits, I understand that every horse is an individual. Art has been a passion of mine since childhood, and over the years I've developed a particular appreciation for capturing the character, personality and finer details that make each subject unique.
That experience, combined with more than 30 years in the horse industry, gives me a unique appreciation of both the horse itself and the special connection people share with them.
My approach is grounded in careful observation, artistic experience and a genuine understanding of horses. Working from photographs supplied by their owners, I take the time to study each horse's colouring, markings, facial features and individual characteristics.
I believe the little details matter. The shape of a marking, the expression in their eyes, the colour of their muzzle or the way their coat catches the light can be what makes a horse unmistakably yours.
I don't believe in guessing or adding features that aren't there. My aim is to create an honest and recognisable representation of your horse, with the care and attention that such a personal piece deserves.
Clear, well-lit photographs are therefore an important part of the process. The more detail I can see, the more faithfully I can recreate the horse you know and love.
This beautiful horse was originally purchased for her shape and construction, as her rather drab white paintwork did little to showcase her true character.
Once the old paint was stripped away and the timber carefully sanded back, a wonderful discovery was made beneath the surface — a genuine Roebuck No. 3.
What initially appeared to be an unremarkable rocking horse revealed itself to be a beautifully constructed example of traditional craftsmanship, hidden beneath years of paint.
She is currently undergoing restoration, with the next chapter of her story still being written. I'll be sharing her progress as she is carefully prepared for her transformation.
Your Heirloom Horse
A personal tribute. A treasured heirloom. A story that lives on
Every Heirloom Horse is individually selected and transformed to become a lasting tribute to a horse who holds a special place in your heart.
Your commission includes:
A Genuine Vintage Rocking Horse of Your Choice
Choose from a selection of carefully sourced vintage wooden rocking horses, including sought-after Australian makers such as Roebuck, Bartlett and other quality traditional examples. Each horse is selected for its character, construction, craftsmanship and suitability for transformation.
You will have the opportunity to choose the original horse that will become the foundation of your personal heirloom.
Its Own History & Provenance RecordEvery horse has a history worth preserving. Your Heirloom Horse comes with a personalised history record documenting its known origins, maker attribution where established, age estimate, original condition and identifying characteristics.
A photographic record of the horse before transformation, throughout the restoration process and upon completion will accompany your piece.
A Bespoke Transformation
Your rocking horse will be individually prepared and painted to honour the traditional craftsmanship and character of the original vintage piece, while capturing the distinctive appearance of your beloved horse.
Working from your photographs and references, careful attention is given to coat colour, markings, facial features and the little details that make your horse unmistakably yours.
The intention is to create a beautiful, recognisable likeness while retaining the charm, character and integrity of a genuine vintage rocking horse.
A Personal Connection — Tail Hair or Ashes
Your horse's tail hair can be thoughtfully incorporated into the finished piece. Alternatively, for horses who have passed and been cremated, a small keepsake vial containing a portion of their ashes can be carefully enclosed within a specially created, securely sealed cavity.
These meaningful elements provide a tangible connection to the horse being honoured, making your Heirloom Horse even more personal.
The Heirloom Horse Maker's Mark
Every completed piece carries my discreet personal EG maker's mark — a signature of its bespoke transformation by The Heirloom Horse.
This mark identifies your piece as an individually commissioned creation while respecting and preserving the identity of the original rocking horse maker.
Your Own Heirloom Collection Record
Your completed horse will be accompanied by its own photographic and provenance record, documenting the vintage horse's origins, its transformation and the story behind its new life.
This becomes part of the horse's history, to be kept and passed on with the piece for generations to come.
Two histories. One treasured heirloom.
A beautifully crafted rocking horse, made decades ago, is given a new purpose and a new story — one that celebrates the life and memory of a much-loved horse.
Not simply a likeness, but a lasting tribute.
The Heirloom Horse — Honouring the horses who leave hoofprints on our hearts.
Occasionally, I come across a truly special piece of Australian toy-making history that deserves to be appreciated in its original form.
The horse pictured above is believed to have been made before 1950 by independent Melbourne rocking horse maker James P. Aylward. Remarkably, he remains in his original condition and had been treasured by the same family for approximately 70 years before coming into my collection.
Some pieces are simply too special to transform. Their history is their beauty.
Bespoke Commission Pricing
Every Heirloom Horse is individually sourced, prepared and transformed to honour both the craftsmanship of a genuine vintage rocking horse and the memory of your much-loved horse.
Option One — The Classic Heirloom
$2,000 AUD
A beautifully transformed vintage rocking horse, finished without saddle or bridle, allowing the natural form and character of the original horse to shine.
Includes:
Your choice of available genuine vintage rocking horse.
Bespoke painting to resemble your horse, including individual coat colour and markings.
Realistic glass eyes.
Incorporation of your horse's tail hair or, where applicable, a keepsake vial of cremation ashes.
The Heirloom Horse personal maker's brand.
Individual history and provenance record.
Before, during and completed photographic documentation.
Personalised commission certificate and care information.
Option Two — The Traditional Heirloom
$2,500 AUD
A fully appointed vintage rocking horse, complete with traditional English saddle and bridle.
Includes everything in The Classic Heirloom commission, with the addition of:
English saddle.
Matching bridle.
Traditional tack detailing to complement the finished horse.
Every Heirloom Horse is unique.
The vintage horse you select, the memories you share and the individual craftsmanship that goes into its transformation make each commission one of a kind.
Two histories. One treasured heirloom.
All prices are in Australian dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose the vintage rocking horse for my commission?
Absolutely! Choosing the original rocking horse is an important part of creating your personal heirloom.
You can select from the collection of genuine vintage wooden rocking horses that I have available and prepared for their bespoke transformation. Each horse has its own character, shape and history, allowing you to choose the one that feels right for you.
Available horses will be displayed in the collection gallery (TBA), with photographs and details to help you make your selection.
Commissions are limited to the horses currently available. If you have your heart set on a particular maker, such as a Roebuck or Bartlett, please enquire. Depending on availability, you may be able to join a waiting list until a suitable horse becomes available. Specific makers cannot be guaranteed, and any additional sourcing costs would be discussed before proceeding.
How do I secure my commission?
A 25% deposit is required to secure your chosen vintage rocking horse and commence your bespoke commission.
As each piece is individually created around your much-loved horse, the deposit confirms your commitment to the commission and allows work to begin.
The remaining balance is payable upon completion, prior to collection or dispatch.
How long does a commission take?
Please allow approximately 4–6 weeks for your Heirloom Horse to be completed.
Each piece is individually prepared, painted and finished by hand, with careful attention given to the details that make your horse unique.
Can my completed Heirloom Horse be delivered?
Freight can be arranged at the purchaser's expense. Delivery costs will depend on the destination and transport requirements.
Local collection is also very welcome.
Can I supply photographs of my horse?
Absolutely! Photographs are an important part of the bespoke process. They help me capture your horse's individual colouring, markings, facial features and distinctive characteristics.
Can I include my horse's tail hair or ashes?
Yes. The hair from your horse’s tail can be incorporated into your rocking horse. For horses who have passed and been cremated, a small keepsake vial containing a portion of their ashes can be securely enclosed within a specially created cavity in the piece.
Are the rocking horses genuine vintage pieces?
Yes. Every Heirloom Horse begins with a genuine vintage wooden rocking horse, carefully selected for its construction, quality, character and traditional craftsmanship.
Where known, the original maker and history will be documented as part of your horse's provenance record.