Collection: Ride On Animals

A ride-on animal — a rocking horse or an animal ride on a toddler sits on — as a toddler ride on, gives young children active, imaginative play while building balance and coordination. The right one suits their age and how they'll use it: a gentle rocker for the youngest, a wheeled ride-on to push along, or a plush rocking animal for softness. Look for a stable base and safe design for a toddler. Think about the child's age and whether you want a rocker or a roller.

What is a ride-on animal?

A ride-on animal is a toy shaped like a horse or other animal that a young child sits on and rides — either rocking back and forth on curved rockers, or rolling along on wheels. The classic is the kids rocking horse, but many animals feature, from ponies to dinosaurs to farm animals. Rocking builds balance and core strength; wheeled ride-ons build leg strength as toddlers push along. Some plush versions on a sturdy frame add softness and often sounds. It's a toy that combines gentle physical play with imaginative fun for toddlers.

Rocker or wheeled ride-on?

The two styles suit slightly different ages and play:

• Rocking animal: rocks back and forth on curved runners, building balance, for younger toddlers in one spot.
• Wheeled ride-on: rolls along as the child pushes with their feet, building leg strength and letting them move around.
• Plush rocker: a soft-covered animal on a sturdy rocker base, cosy and often with sounds, for the youngest.

How do you keep a rocking horse safe?

A ride-on animal should be stable so it can't tip a toddler. For rockers, a wide, stable base stops it toppling sideways or rocking over too far — look for a design that limits how far it rocks. For the youngest children, a rocker with a supportive seat or a safety strap and handles to grip helps. Set it on a flat surface, and supervise young toddlers learning to balance. Check the weight rating suits the child. A stable, tip-resistant base with handles to hold, on level ground with supervision, keeps rocking play safe.

Common questions

What age is a rocking horse for?
Most suit toddlers from around 12 to 18 months, once a child can sit steadily, up to about 3 or 4 years. Plush rockers with a supportive seat suit younger toddlers; check each one's age rating.

Are rocking horses safe for toddlers?
Yes, with a wide stable base that won't tip, handles to grip, and supervision for young ones learning to balance. Look for a design that limits how far it rocks back.

Rocking or wheeled ride-on animal?
Rockers build balance in one spot for younger toddlers; wheeled ride-ons build leg strength and let a child move around. Choose by the child's age and whether you want them mobile.

Do ride-on animals make sounds?
Many plush and moulded ones do — pressing an ear or button plays animal sounds or music, adding to the play. Check the listing if sounds matter, and for a volume or off switch.

Can I pay for a ride-on animal with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our ride-on animals start from $65, which is four fortnightly payments of about $16.25.

Explore more toys

Add to the play. Try ride-on cars for older toddlers, plush toys for cuddles, and wooden toys for classic play.

A $65 ride-on animal splits into four fortnightly payments of $16.25 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.