The Rocking Horse is a toy float from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is based on the iconic rocking horse children's toy and is currently the oldest element still in use for the Parade.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The Rocking Horse toy float made its Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in 1958. The float featured a beautifully sculpted Rocking Horse with a floral print decorating its white body. The mane and eyelashes of the wooden stallion were colored yellow, with a red and gold, star-spangled base. For the 1972 Parade, the toy float was given a magical horn, and was renamed to the Rocking Unicorn. The Rocking Horse iteration of the float would return to the 1973 Parade.
In 1974, the Rocking Horse float was given an updated look. The body of the horse was changed from a floral print to a pure white coat. The yellow accents were replaced with a golden mane and eyelashes. Additionally, the toy float was given accents of blue and yellow. Since then, the Rocking Horse has continued to appear in the annual procession, carrying the likes of Paddington Bear, Rainbow Brite, Mother Goose, and many other acclaimed characters and celebrities.
The Rocking Horse most recently appeared in the 2023 Parade.