Glider Horse

Name/Title

Glider Horse

Entry/Object ID

1970.69.1

Description

A wooden glider horse painted white with natural horse-hair mane and tail. The horse has black leather ears and glass yellow eyes. It rests on a bouncy, red base that features painted gold decoration. The saddle is made of red cloth tacked to leather with metal stirrups.

Context

During the 18th and 19th centuries, popular toys purchased by wealthy parents for their children included large, finely detailed rocking and glider horses like this one. These toys not only proved fun and entertaining for children but also provided them with a safe introduction to horseback riding. This glider horse was likely made by the Whitney Reed Chair Company of Leominster, Massachusetts. Founded in 1893, the company manufactured furniture, blackboards, and toys, including this style of glider horse.

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1900

Notes

Restored in the 1960's.

Dimensions

Height

30-1/2 in

Width

36-1/4 in

Depth

14-1/2 in

Material

Wood, Metal, Hair, Glass