Built on love, craftsmanship, and generations of family values, The Rocking Horse Shop is more than a business – it is a legacy. Now run by James and Becca, the Yorkshire-based company has been handcrafting rocking horses for nearly 50 years, creating heirloom pieces that become part of family history. From their children lending a hand during school holidays to horses lovingly restored and passed down through generations, family sits at the heart of everything they do. Here, James and Becca talk to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind their business, the challenges they have overcome along the way, and the joy behind keeping a timeless tradition alive in the modern world.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Our inspiration to join the business came from a genuine love of traditional craftsmanship and a desire to create something truly timeless. There’s something magical about handcrafting each horse, from selecting the finest materials, shaping and painting every detail, to seeing it come to life. Knowing that a child will smile and play on something we’ve made by hand, and that it might even become a family heirloom in the future.
For us, this business isn’t just about making rocking horses; it’s about keeping a tradition alive, putting care and passion into every piece, and sharing that joy with families around the world – it truly is a labour of love.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
The business was started in 1976 by Anthony Dew, who is now long retired. He designed and built his first horse on a boat from England to China as part of the merchant navy. It was built for his son who was shortly due to be born.
Initially, the company started in an old butchers shop. We now work out of bespoke workshops built within our Grade 2 Listed Buildings, where have our own wood, leather, carving and metal workshops.
Under the new ownership of James and Becca, the company continues to thrive. We attempt to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and products fit for the modern world. We have a team of 9 people who specialise in all areas of work, including restoring old rocking horses.
We are especially proud of our ‘Made in Britain’ and ‘Made in Yorkshire’ status. Every component that goes into our horses is made right here on-site by our talented artisan team. This allows us to offer truly bespoke furniture and toys, with each horse being a one-of-a-kind creation tailored to the customer’s vision.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Although our children are still young, they already take an active role in the company, helping during school holidays to make smaller products and kits. It’s a joy to see their enthusiasm and curiosity, and while the future is theirs to choose, we hope that the business may one day be passed on to them, keeping it in the hands of the family.
At the heart of everything we do is family.
One of our most treasured creations, our ‘Hero’ Race Horse model, is lovingly named in memory of cherished family members who are no longer with us. Each time we craft a Hero, we remember them. These horses are more than wood and paint; they are a legacy. If you browse our catalogue, you’ll see other horses too, named after beloved relatives, each one telling a story, each one deeply personal.
Because we’re a family-focused company, we understand how rocking horses become part of family history – often passed down through generations. When a horse comes to us for renovation, the very first question we ask is, “What’s your horse’s name?”. That name tells us everything – it’s not just furniture, it’s a family member. We treat each horse with the care and respect it deserves while it’s in our hands.
