How to Make a Stick Horse

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Making a stick horse, or a hobbyhorse, can be a fun project that pays dividends in creative play and exercise for your child. You can make a stick horse for your child, other children or the young-at-heart. Making a stick horse may be a good rainy-day activity. You may have several items on hand to make a hobbyhorse.

Steps

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You can use ribbons, yarn, googly eyes, large buttons and other materials to add creative touches to your hobbyhorse.
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You will use this dowel for the body of the stick horse.

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This groove will help you to attach the head of the hobbyhorse to the dowel.
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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Make a Head With Fabric

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1
Make a pattern for the head.
- You can create a pattern for the head of the riding toy by drawing the shape of the head freehand on cardboard or poster board. Optionally, enlarge, photocopy and print an illustration you want to use for a pattern.
- Include a long neck on the stick horse pattern.
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You will now have 2 identical pieces.
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Leave the bottom of the neck open to insert the dowel.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Finish the Stick Horse

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You can cut up old socks or fabric if you don't have batting.
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The fastener should sit in the groove you cut into the dowel.
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Community Q&A

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Question

How can I make the dowel stiff and secure?

Community Answer

Dowels are wooden and should already be stiff, but if you mean attach it securely, use glue and sew the head around the dowel.

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Question

Where do I find the wood for this?

Community Answer

Walmart or any craft stores have wooden dowels. You can find them near the scrapbook/craft sections at Walmart and near the fabric and yarn and craft stores such as Hobby Lobby.

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Question

How much batting/polyfill would be needed for 10 horses?

Community Answer

It depends on the size of the horse head. Make one and then multiply the amount you used by ten.

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Tips

Organize a rodeo or horse show for your young children and their hobbyhorses.

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More elaborate and permanent stick horses can be made as a woodworking project.

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Warnings

Be sure that all stick horse materials are child-safe, non-toxic and age-appropriate.

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Supervise children working with scissors, needles or glue.

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Check the wooden dowel after cutting it to remove any rough or sharp spots. Sand it smooth, if necessary.

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Things You'll Need

Stick
Glue
Scissors
Cardboard or poster board
Sock or fabric
Fabric paint or markers
Stuffing
Yarn or curtain fringe
String
Elastic ponytail holders
Thick needle and thread.
Additional decorations

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How to Make a Stick Horse

Steps

Make a Head With Fabric

Finish the Stick Horse

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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