1980 Rocking Horse, Ambassador

QX1H This 1980 Hallmark Christmas ornament was released by their subsidiary, Ambassador, as part of The Holiday House Collection, and is a rare find for collectors of this box/brand. Ambassador was a division of Hallmark Cards, Inc. from 1979-1982, and approximately 50 different ornaments were sold in select stores, such as Ben Franklin, Woolworth's, card shops, drug stores and supermarkets. The ornament features a tan, toy horse with dark brown mane and tail on festive red rockers. It actually rocks and has a green string for reins, attached to the red bridle, with a high, green cantle, the back support on the back of the white saddle seat. Both sides of the saddle have a red border with blue tulip coming out of a red heart, embossed with "1980," in metallic-gold. The copyright is dated on the underside of the belly. The ornament is packaged in the original box with clear plastic window and green, flocked plastic tray, molded for protection.

Fun Fact: The height and angle of the cantle on a saddle is dependent on the intended style of riding, and is typically high for trail saddles, to allow for maximum rider security. Saddles used for riders performing "cutting and reining," tests used to determine a horse's abilities, will have a flatter, lower cantle, in order to give the rider a greater range of upper-body movement.

Size

2.804" L x 0.721" W x 3.010" H

Material

Plastic, string, and metal (eyelet)

Box Size

4.5" H x 1" W x 4.5" D