What is the Rocking Horse for Outdoor Playground

Created on 09.09

The Rocking Rider, more commonly known as a Rocking Horse or Spring Rider, is a popular form of outdoor play equipment. It is an essential and ubiquitous part of parks, kindergartens, and outdoor playgrounds. It can convert a child's own kinetic energy into rhythmic, rocking motion by its design. It is playground equipment that allows children to experience play that is both fun and safe while providing developmental advantages for preschool children (typically between the ages of two and six). 

In this article, we will analyze the two major types of childs rocking horse: spring riders and rocker-base Rocking horse. We will discuss their core definitions, basic functions, structural types, material composition, play value, and essential safety considerations.

1.Definition.

A children's Spring Rider is a sit-on outdoor play set whose main function is rocking. In order to rock, the design of the equipment centers around an unstable support structure. Children use their core body muscles and coordinate their limbs to control and propel the equipment. This is not only a simple form of play enjoyment but also an important means of sensory integration that helps to develop children's vestibular system, balance, and coordination.

2.Types.

Spring Rider is one of the most iconic pieces of equipment found in outdoor playground. Its core structure is as follows: a high-strength spring is anchored to a ground base which supports the upper seating body. This allows the playground set to move in multi-dimensional motion; in addition to forward and backward rocking, children can also experience side-to-side swaying. Often, there is slight rotational and bouncing as well. This kind of complex dynamic feedback allows children to experience rich sensory stimuli, making it one of the most popular types of playground equipment.

The rocker-base Rocking horse has a more classic and limited design. Its entire body is a smooth and precisely calculated arc, which allows it to rock back and forthon on the ground like a traditional rocking chair. Children initiate and maintain a pendulum-like motion along a fixed path by shifting their center of gravity. The range of motion is linear, smooth, and rhythmic. The range of motion is relatively controlled. Therefore, it is more commonly seen in indoor or home playground. It is widely used for children's rocking rides because it provides a gentler and more stable rocking experience.

3.Materials.

The main body of this type of Rocking Rider is typically manufactured using one of two primary processes. The first is rotational molding. Food-grade Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is heated and rotated in a mold to create a hollow structure. LLDPE material has excellent eco-friendliness, UV resistance, and impact resistance. The product made using this process is vibrant and durable even in harsh outdoor conditions. The second method is panel assembly. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets are cut into various components using CNC technology and then precisely assembled. HDPE also has superior safety, non-toxicity, and wear-resistant properties.

For Rocking Rider, the focus in material choice is on the structure. The body and the base unit will usually be made as one outdoor play, rotational molding, usually with LLDPE. Rotational molding produces a one-piece, or integral, unit, which fundamentally eliminates the possibility of component drop off, ensuring the maximum structural safety possible. Hollow to provide strength while reducing the weight of the product itself, making it easier to move and place.

4.Gameplay.

The path to play with a Rocking horse may seem simple, but it's actually quite educational. Speaking of Spring Rider, when playing on it, the child needs to engage their muscles in their core and limbs to start and maintain the rocking motion, which is an initial attempt and practice of body control. In addition, the constant rocking motion will significantly stimulate the child's vestibular system, which is the body's core sensory system that helps to maintain the balance of the body and spatial co-ordination. Repeated play will greatly improve the child's sense of balance. In addition, the different designs of Rocking Rider can be used as a stage for children's imagination to role-play them as horses, spaceships or race cars, which develops their cognitive abilities and creativity.

5.Safety.

Child safety is the top priority in the design of all kinds of play equipment. For Rocking horse, a set of core safety guidelines must be followed strictly.

Need adult supervision. Adults should keep children in their line of sight and stop them from engaging in unsafe behaviours, such as standing on the Rocking horse and one child using the single-person rider.

Regular maintenance and regular inspections. Administrators need to make a systematic check for the tightness of screws at the spring base, any cracks or wear on the rocker base and the structural integrity of the main body.

Instructions on use. When riding, children need to hold the handlebar tightly and sit correctly.

Appropriate installation environment. Need a flat, shock-absorbing surface, such as safety mats or grass. The safe area around the equipment should be greater than or equal to 2.7m × 2.7m to prevent secondary injury when falling.

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