Just starting a new project - full restoration of an early Bartlett in very poor condition. One of the repairs I'm pondering over is the hole in the rear of the horse - the damage is actually over the three blocks where they all come together. The top plate of the box is sloped upwards and it quite thin and on end grain - please refer to photos. Perhaps a block could be added to the rear box block to support new wood on the top lid and side??
It is a lovely old horse and has early rosettes 2 round on the bridle and a square one on the chest with what appears to be red satin ribbon. He also needs 2 front hooves and ear extensions and a few muscle blocks. The stand has been quite infested at some stage with wood borer which we see little of in our area.
Would appreciate suggestions how to tackle this restoration and wood work to make the horse sound.
I would imagine you would have to take it all to bits and start again?
There are plenty of hints on google I expect, and books on restoration. Good luck with it anyway, it should come up a treat. Just dont rush at it, take your time and reap the benefits.
There used to be a rocking-horse restoration group here...it might be worth looking 
My advice would be to make sure you have a pooper scooper at hand to scoop up the Rocking Horse Sh!t...
Then sell it on ebay .. I am told it is rare....
