A rocking horse is a children's toy shaped like a horse, mounted on curved pieces of wood called rockers that let it tilt back and forth. When you sit on a rocking horse and push with your feet or shift your weight, it rocks gently forward and backward, creating the feeling of riding a real horse.

Traditional rocking horses are made of wood and often painted with realistic details like a flowing mane, saddle, and bridle. Some have springs instead of rockers, letting them bounce in place. You've probably seen antique rocking horses in old photographs or museums: they were very popular toys in the 1800s and early 1900s.

The rocking motion is soothing and fun, which is why rocking horses remain popular even today, though modern versions might be made of plastic or plush fabric. A well-made wooden rocking horse can last for generations, passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. The phrase rocking horse can also describe something old-fashioned or nostalgic.