A Little Stick Horse History

Definition: Stick Horse (noun) - A child's plaything consisting of an imitation horse head on one end of a stick, child straddles it and pretends to ride. Synonyms: hobby, hobbyhorse, rocking horse, and cockhorse. Source: WordNet® 1.7, © 2001 Princeton University

Stick horses, sometimes referred to as hobby horses according to Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia, date back to the 16th century. Other writings suggest that children in ancient Rome enjoyed many of the same kinds of toys and games that delight children today. For example, they had dolls, carts, hobbyhorses, and even board type games. The stick horse truly is a timeless toy with some very interesting roots.

In appearance a stick horse can be as simple as a plain ole' stick or be as elaborate as having a fancy horse's head made of fabric, wood, plastic, leather, or vinyl attached to a wooden, metal, or plastic stick. They are found with or without bridles and reins. Some have wheels, saddles, or even hand bars for holding on. Their manes can be painted, made of yarn, leather, and even real horse hair. They come in all sizes, from miniatures to short, and tall. For years, regardless of the appearance, children have enjoyed playing every thing from cowboys and Indians to today's popular Whoadeo games including barrel racing, pole bending, in-line racing, pony express races, and team penning. Kids of all ages get a thrill out of the wild ride their imagination conjures up on their stick horses. Crafters love to make them, adding their own bit of creativity and imagination. Others just enjoy collecting them and sharing the excitement of finding a treasure from the past.

Hope you enjoy the following stick horse photo's. These stick horse items photographed in display cases are only a few of more than 500 stick horse items on display through out  Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show and Dolly's Barnyard Critters gift shop located in Pigeon Forge, TN. During your visit you can create your very own stick horse and see Dolly Parton's personal handmade  stick horse named Lucky Starsm. For more information call 1-800-356-1676.

  Tiny Timber says "Have a World of Fun; Ride a Stick Horse."