Yesterday was a dark one for the toy horse business, as two separate companies issued recalls because their rocking and hobby horses (aka “horse head on a stick”) apparently pose strangulation hazards.

First up were the 8,800 hobby horses recalled by Big Ideas Marketing. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the reins on the horse-on-a-stick toy’s bridle are long enough to form a loop around a child’s head and neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children.

So far, there has one report of a near strangulation involving a 2-year-old boy who became entangled in the reins at his neck. The boy’s mother freed him without injury.

These toys were sold at Love’s Travel Stop and Country stores nationwide from May 2010 through July 2010 for about $6. The horse’s ears are embroidered with the words “PRESS HERE” in red. The horse makes neighing and galloping sounds when the ears are pressed.

If you happen to own one, CPSC says you should immediately remove or cut the reins to remove the hazard.

Next up are the 1,200 rocking horses being recalled by Rocking Horse Depot. Like the hobby horse, the reins on the rocking horse bridle are long enough to form a loop around a child’s head and neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children.

CPSC has received one report of a near strangulation incident involving a 21-month old girl who became entangled in the reins at her neck. The girl’s parents freed her without injury.

From CPSC:

This recall involves Rocking Horse Depot’s small, medium and large rocking horses with bridles. The rocking horse has a hardwood frame and is covered with synthetic hide. Each rocking horse has fluffy mane and tail, and a leather Rocking Horse Depot emblem on the right side of the saddle.

The horses were RockingHorseDepot.com from November 2006 through December 2009 for between $105 and $185.

Once again, if you own one of these rocking horses, CPSC advises you to immediately cut or remove the reins to eliminate the hazard.

Rocking Horse Depot Recalls to Repair Rocking Horse Toys Due to Strangulation Hazard [CPSC]
Big Ideas Marketing Recalls to Repair Horse-on-a-Stick Toys Due to Strangulation Hazard [CPSC]

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