The Rocking Horse Shop reviews

4 Jul 18'

Den reviewed: Carve a Decorative Rocking Horse course

"I just wanted to say a great big thank you to all of you for the kindness and patience shown whilst on the course last week. The actual course far surpassed anything that I was expecting and I really enjoyed the whole experience from the moment I arrived until the moment I left for home, I think I had a tear in my eye (but I think that was because they were full of sawdust from the sanding) but joking aside everything was just so perfect, the tuition, food, company and accommodation and I have done nothing but think and talk about it since I came home, so yet again many thanks and I will most certainly be in touch in the near future."

12 Aug 16'

Mike Booth reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Its hard to find new words to describe this course after looking at all the past reviews. Lets just say it was everything and more that I'd hoped but with great Yorkshire Hospitality thrown in. What a team they have down there. With very little carving experience I came away with a head -- and the rest of the kit to build the whole horse at home. Went on the course at the end of June and I have a completed horse sitting in my conservatory today 2 months later. Support from the Team has been great throughout. Believe me they wont leave you out there on your own if you need assistance. One complaint -- they don't tell you that this is very very addictive. One problem -- which horse to do next. If you are dithering about going on this course, don't, just book it"

28 Jun 16'

Andrew Binnie reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A really satisfying course, executed at a steady pace, in a relaxed atmosphere. There was a perfect level of instruction, anecdotes and fun and we all learned a great deal. Having done a little woodcarving already, I still learned a lot and it was such a luxury to be able to have three days dedicated to carving, rather than finding the odd hour here and there. Those in our group who were new to carving also learned a lot and were not scared at all as Tony taught in such a positive manner. Thanks very much to Tony as I thoroughly enjoyed this course and might well be back for another."

28 Oct 15'

Jack Stevens reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Brilliant course, a nice simple format, watch Tony do a bit then try to copy it!! Everyone on the course made an excellent carving so it must work. Not only is Tony a gifted carver and teacher all the staff in the shop are marvellous, you couldn't meet a more friendly and helpful bunch. If you're considering this course don't dither just book it."

16 Oct 15'

Mick Lumley reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I recently attended this course having never done any carving before. The pace of the course was just right and Tony's patient relaxed style allowed me to produce a good standard of rocking horse head. It also inspired me to continue carving and I am well on the way to producing a medium sized rocking horse for my granddaughter. Good value for money with a friendly group and excellent support from all the staff at the rocking horse shop in Fangfoss. I can recommend this course to novice carvers."

1 Oct 15'

Dave Smith reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I have to agree with all the positive reviews already made on the 3 day workshop on carving a rocking horse head. I experienced a very well organised course on learning the techniques for using the tools on solid wood without messing up the head right away, leading on to shaping the head as you would like. Just follow what Tony demonstrates step by step and you will end up with a very professional looking horse’s head and a good working knowledge of how to use the tools. I had already assembled the Large Rocky and carved the body but I needed some practise on a head. This was just what I needed. I am now full of enthusiasm to complete the Large Rocky. Most enjoyable, full of fun and a fabulous active holiday. There were six of us on the course and there were six good looking heads after only three days. I could not recommend this workshop more highly. The only negative is that I had to go home afterwards."

1 Oct 15'

Richard Payne reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"This is an excellent course - suitable even for someone like me with very limited woodworking skills indeed. Tony is not only an amazing carver himself, but has that rare gift of being able to pass on his skills with patience and care to everyone in the room. We each created our own carving having watched Tony explain exactly how to do it, from the basic handling of the tools, the working of the wood, through to the anatomy of the horse that is being imitated. He is an inspirational teacher and has left me 'hooked' on rocking horse making! All the staff in both the shop and workshop are extremely friendly & helpful - as well as being very knowledgeable about every aspect of rocking horses and how to make them. The museum of Victorian rocking horses is also well worth seeing. I cannot recommend the course highly enough."

3 Mar 15'

Matthew Grattan reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A great experience which I can thoroughly recommend. Everyone at the Rocking Horse Shop was so welcoming and friendly - it really feels like you're not just doing a course - more like being welcomed into a community of like-minded people. Having never 'carved' more than anything than the slot for a door hinge with a blunt chisel (!) I was curious to see how well I would fare on what seemed to be a rather daunting challenge, but Tony's teaching is first class and his approach is steady, methodical and patient - allowing you to build your skills at the right pace without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed. For that reason I found the course not just an excellent learning experience but also a great way to relax and clear the mind. The number of students (6) is just right, and the balance of woodworking, rocking horse history, finishing tips and general banter was spot on. Now I just need to get on and finish my horse! ;-)"

3 Mar 15'

Jullie Keyser reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I received this course as a Christmas present and as I had never done anything like this before I was very nervous at the start of the first morning. Tony Dew and the rest of the staff really put everyone at ease right from the moment we arrived. The tuition was excellent with group demonstrations each step of the way and everyone received just the right amount of individual support. This course gave me the confidence to believe that I can carve a large rocking horse. The Rocking Horse Shop is a beautiful place to visit for anyone interested in rocking horses, they have so many on display, old and new. I would recommend this course to anyone whatever their woodworking experience."

11 Nov 14'

David Hundertmark reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I received this course as an early Christmas gift from my wife. I can quite honestly say this was the best Christmas ever!! I bought Tony's book several years ago, but could never gather the courage to take the project on. It seemed out of my skill level. Tony's step by step approach, guiding hand and one on one encouragement, not only made for an absolutely delightful weekend, but I also feel like I made a new friend in the process. I left completely confident and excited about this new skill. I would recommend this course to anyone, it was a weekend I will remember for the rest of my life."

3 Nov 14'

adrian doyle reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I started with a very nervous disposition and ended with something I am very proud of. The journey of how you get from one to the other is excellent and all in the calming hands of Tony. I could not fault the course which is a very good balance of being spoon fed and taking that knowledge to think for yourself to overcome problems. Highly recommended."

2 Jun 14'

Roy reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I enjoyed the head-carving course enormously. Tony Dew adjusts his teaching to the individual, with just the right amount of intervention or additional advice and, as so many reviewers above have pointed out, one does finish the course with good/excellent result. I was amazed that, after intro's, demonstration of the tools and safety-explanations, we were straight down to work and 6+hours just sped by. And a word or two about the setting; the workshop, factory and shop are all very interesting, and the tour of Tony's rocking-horse museum (with anecdotes) is as inspiring as it fascinating. May 2014"

30 Jan 14'

Leon Walker reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A cracking course. Tony builds confidence in both your woodcarving skills but also your artistic interpretation - by the end your horse's head may not look exactly like one of his but it will be pretty darn good!"

7 Jun 13'

Paul Lattimore reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"What a great way to spend 3 days! It was with some trepidation that I arrived at The Rocking Horse Shop to become a student at the 'Carve a Head' course. I had minimal experience with woodwork having made some small wooden toys, but had never tried my hand at carving. The first thing to be said is how friendly everyone was, only 2 mins after entering the premises I had a cup of coffee in my hand. The teaching technique of Anthony Dew was second to none. You were never rushed, everything from carving techniques to use of special power tools was very well explained. All 5 students ended up with rocking horse heads that we could be proud of. We had learned the basics of a great craft and had some fun along the way. I have the rest of the timber pack and am now looking forward to completing the whole rocking horse. If you have ever considered trying your hand at carving or making a complete rocking horse, then put it off no longer, this is the course for you. I can't recommend it highly enough."

10 Mar 13'

Tony Gunson reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A brilliant course Tony soon turned apprehension into confidence with a relaxed teaching style that suited all abilities, putting everyone at ease. The setting for the course and all the staff were brilliant. After a truly enjoyable three days carving the head for a large rocking horse I first made the little rocky chair horse for my grandson and then went on to complete the large rocking horse. The staff were helpful throughout always willing to answer any questions I had. Tony Gunson Did course 27th October 2012"

6 Dec 12'

bob hacking reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"For me it was a first working with sharp chisels and wood but within the first hour of the course Tony have given all of us enough confindence to begin to shape our horses heads and by the end of the three days we all came away with heads we could hold up with pride. The whole course was well planned and we never were never made to feel the beginers we were. I now have an almost complete horse getting ready for his saddle, main and tail after countless hours of fun and head scratching. Try it!"

3 Dec 12'

Geoff Gymer reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"I attended this course in January 2012, as a competent hobby woodworker, but with no woodcarving experience. Miraculously, at the end of three days, I found myself in possession of a very presentable carved head, greatly exceeding my expectations. Tony is an excellent teacher, able to give just the right level of help or advice to a pretty varied bunch of students. Everyone at the Rocking Horse Shop was very pleasant and helpful. Well worth travelling all the way from Kent to Yorkshire for the experience."

18 Nov 12'

Mark Levis reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Highly recommended. I'd never done any woodcarving before and managed to leave with something that looked like a rocking horse head! Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere on the course and I liked the format of Tony demonstrating each stage before letting us loose to have a go ourselves. He provided as much or as little help as requested and at no stage was I ever made to feel like I was going to fail. I am determined to complete the full horse and have in fact now purchased the materials to do so. Go on, give it a go!!!"

5 Nov 12'

Ian Wilson reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Had an great time and learned quite a bit in the three days I was there and it was my first course on carving and I will def think of doing something else again soonish lol. Tony and the team made me very welcome and have no hesitations what so ever in recommending this course"

5 Nov 12'

Frank Jarvie reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"An excellent course! Tony is a very talented wood carver and a very good teacher with a very relaxed stile. I was amazed at how well my "head" turned out, not having carved anything at all before. I would highly recommend this course. All members of the Rocking Horse Shop staff were very friendly and extremely helpful"