The rocking horse and its larger cousin, the carousel horse have been entertaining children (and adults) for ages. Some sources say that the rocking horse first made its appearance in the 17th century, possibly as a tool to begin to teach young children how to ride. It wasn't until two centuries later, during the Victorian era, that rocking horses became the toy of young aristocrats. Others theorize that the concept of the rocking horse began much earlier and during the Middle Ages. Knights in training would often construct horses to practice jousting and other skills. Of course, the children of that era would want to emulate their heroes on horseback, and it's possible that smaller versions of the knights' contraptions might have been toys. Read More