Chicago Tribune - 12.10.95

New breed of rocking horse is not just for child's play

A fascination with equines, a passion for the American West and extensive research into the history of antique toy horses in Europe and America have led Timothy Willms to a new breed of rocking horse His creation can carry a child or an adult collector into the wonderful world of fantasy.

An independent fine arts consultant and appraiser in Chicago, Willms created the Timber Toy Furniture Co. in Santa Fe and designed its two premier items: the Tijo (Tee-jo) Frontier Pony rocking horse and Silver Dove Pioneer Pony glider horse, known as the Santa Fe Ponies. They are produced in limited editions of 300 each.

Santa Fe craftsmen make the rocking horses by hand of ponderosa pine, forged steel, brass and nickel-silver conchas. The Santa Fe Ponies sell for $1,OOO to $1,200. Both can be ordered from Out of the West, 1000W. Armitage Ave., 312404-9378, and FAO Schwarz, 840 N. Michigan Ave., 312-587-5000. Allow four to eight weeks for delivery.

Mary Daniels