Welcome to the Rocking Horse Restoration website

Libby Bailey has been a FEI Dressage Rider and past member of the NSW State Advance Dressage Squad.  She had shown thoroughbred horses for many years through out the Riverina always ensuring they would step out into the arenas with excellent presentation when competing. She now restores old rocking horses with the same level of attention to detail and finish as those she competed with in the show rings and dressage arenas.

Libby now restores old Australian and English wooden rocking horses to the traditional dapple grey finish of the English horses of the past. Repair to joints, body boxes and recarved pieces can be undertaken if necessary to bring them back to their former glory. In the past years Libby has restored many Australian Roebucks, several Bartletts and English Lines and Ayres Horses made from 1885 through until the 1970s. Finished horses have all leather harness, cow or horse hair manes and tails and are painted with quality paints to give a professional high quality finish. Certificates are issued with each horse giving an outline of the history of the horse and restoration work carried out.

It is nice to see the old horses restored to be enjoyed by the next generation. Photos of recent restorations can be emailed to you if requested. 

Horses for Sale: Restored horses are also available for sale, but this can vary from time to time, so just contact Libby and she can let you know what is available.

Wanted to Buy: Libby is always looking for old wooden rocking horses or moving horse toys, trikes etc suitable for restoration.

Telephone: (02) 6955 2235
Mobile 0427607737 and Fax: (02) 6955 2223
Email: info@rockinghorserestorations.com.au 
 

Winston was made by FH Ayres in London c1885/1890 and is shown on the left prior to restoration and on the right post restoration. Winston is a fine example of a large early Ayres - regarded as the Rolls Royce of rocking horses.  Winston had lower jaw, with tongue, muzzle and ear missing, buttons eyes replaced with glass ones and other repairs carried out during his restoration to ensure another generation will have the pleasure of his company.  The jaws and ears are so finely carved on these beautiful old horses that often damaged or missing.

Carmen made by G & J Lines in London c1910 before and after restoration. Carmen had a break to the front leg and a hole drilled through her face. She was imported into Australia without a stand.  Carmen has a new replica stand made for her from Lines specifications, the only original part being the "paddle" side rails.