How to Make a Stuffed Horse Pull Toy

Start with either a store-bought or homemade stuffed horse to make a pull-toy

Turn your toddler's favorite stuffed horse into a pull toy for hours of fun. With a little skill and a few supplies, you can foster your child's imagination as he pulls and plays with his horse buddy. To make the toy you'll need some common supplies, many of which you may already have in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Small stuffed toy horse
• Piece of 1-inch by 6-inch board
• 4 small U-shaped conduit brackets
• Fabric
• Fabric glue
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Dowel rod
• Drill
• Hole saw drill bit
• Saw
• Screwdriver
• 8, 1/2-inch wood screws
• 1 eye screw
• Heavy-duty Velcro hook and loop tape
• White Elmer's glue
• Thin nylon rope or leather cord

Instructions

1. Measure the distance between the horse's front and back feet and add 4 inches. Cut a 1-by-6-inch board the size measured. Cover the board with fabric, leaving enough to fold under on the bottom of the board. Glue the fabric to the board.

2. Attach the brackets with screws to the underside of the board, 1 inch from the side and end of each corner. Align the brackets so that you can insert the dowel rod in them.

3. Cut four wheels from 1-by-6-inch board using a circle saw drill bit. Use a piece of scrap wood under the piece you are cutting. Keep the drill as straight as possible so the wheels are even.

4. Find the exact center of the wheels and drill a hole the size of the dowel rod. Position the dowel through the brackets and slide the wheels on. Mark the wheel position and dowel length. Cut the dowel length to fit flush with the outside of the wheels so the axle does not stick out.

5. Insert the dowel rod through the brackets. Add white glue to the wheels and the dowel ends. Thread the wheels onto the dowel. Allow them to dry.

6. Attach the loop side of the Velcro to the horse's feet and position the hook side to the base. Insert a small eye screw into the front of the base and attach a small rope or leather pull cord.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make your own stuffed horse or purchase one. If you make your own, stuff the legs extra tight so it will stand up.

• You can use a small wagon, truck or other wheeled toy as a base for the horse. Attach the horse with a hook and loop tape.

• You can permanently glue the horse to the base, but using hook and loop tape allows for a dual-purpose toy.

• Use non-toxic materials and remove sharp or protruding objects from the toy.

• Wear safety goggles when using power tools.

References

• Making Heirloom Toys; Jim Makowicki; 1996
• Heirloom Toys to Make in Wood; Sam Martin and Roger Schroeder; 1998