I have been putting finish on the pieces that form the stand and it takes several days to completion due to the drying time needed between coats ( 24 hrs ) . I am anxious to see the horse on its new stand with its new hair and tack, but I have to be sure things are done properly and that takes time. That said - if all goes well, I should have the horse together in about a week or less. I will post plenty of photos once it is complete. :)

The refinishing of the stand was nearly complete, when I realized the top board, that holds the swing irons, was seriously warped and need replacing. I have purchased the new ,thicker, harder board and will be preparing it for the stand over the next few days. Once the stand is complete, I can fasten the horse to it and add the mane and tail and tack. I have some VERY exciting and unique tack for this horse....

After much thought and some experimenting, I decided spray painting was the best choice for refinishing the paint job. I am pleased with the results. It looks especially good with the mane hair I have chosen. The mane is not permanently affixed yet, just placed on the horse for viewing. The Saddle will be re-attached and the horse placed on the stand ( once it's finished ) before having the mane and tail added.

I have begun enhancing the rocking horse by adding more details to the face : painting the teeth and nose and I will also be enhancing the eyes. I tried out the mane to see how it would look. I think the result will be stunning! :) Gouging of the mane slot and carving of nostrils and then sanding of teeth was required before I could paint and try out the mane. A close up before shot of the eye. An 'after' shot of the painting done to the eye,nostril and teeth. I think it real