Thread: Help with lifesize rearing horse

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I'm trying to make a static prop of a lifesize rearing horse. I'll probably use it this year as a headless horseman prop, but was hoping to use it again if I ever build a horse-drawn hearse, which was my original hope for this year, but may not happen.

The framework is in process using 1-1/4 inch PVC. I'd like to make it come apart to store it but I'm thinking that is going to compromise the strength too much. So what I'd like to do is cover the frame in chicken wire to bulk it up and shape it and then cover that in foam padding and fabric. I want to make the detail pieces (legs and head/neck) separate pieces that can be removed and saved, and just re-do as much of the body part as I have to in case I want to use it again.

I also want to have red LED eyes and fog coming out of the nostrils, neither of which I have any experience with.

I've never made an armature of chicken wire, so I'm wondering if the 20 gauge 1 inch opening chicken wire will be sturdy enough? That's the strongest that I see at the big box home improvement stores (i.e., Menards).

I don't think I want to use Monster Mud or papier mache because this would have to hold up to Chicago weather, and likely have to be put together largely outside.

I have 10 yards of black panne fabric, which is what I was hoping to use for the final covering, and I can sew if I need to.

Any suggestions or ideas or reasons why I shouldn't proceed this way?

Cinders, I think you have a good plan already. I don't think designing it to come apart for storage will affect the stregnth of it. I do all my props with the knowledge that an need to break them down for storage and have never had a issue. For PVC I use a 3/8" or 1/2" inch metal screw to drive into the connectors to hold everything in place. Makes is tight and stays put....unscrew a few key locations and it breaks apart nicely.

I have a full size horse design in a notebook , each year I say that is hte big prop for the year but then find other things to make. Here what I drew...a 1" PVC line up through the back leg, follow along the spine, and through the nech & head out to the nose for the fog. Make the connections correspond to the other connections so it all comes apart at one location.

I am not sure about chicken wire through, For a big horse prop it might not have the stregnth you are looking for. I have used it for smaller props but for areas that have more weight or size I use some wire mesh I got from Home Depot at some point...It is has 1/2" square mesh openings comes in a 3' x 15' (or more) roll. I'll see if I can find a link to show you exactly what it is called. It has never bukled under any weight and is what I woulld use myself if I ever do make the horse.

Oh, one other thing to note.....If both the rearing horse's front legs are in the air you will need support in front somewhere to hold it up and I think you should go with at least a 2' PVC design. At least for the spine and back legs.

ok you NEED to post pictures when you make it and after it sounds like you have a great plant so far...

finally this year too we are attempting to do a skeletal horse for our hearse made of wood ....

HauntedPumpkin, thanks for the replies. Is the mesh you refer to known as hardware cloth? I have some of that (not enough) but I'll try it out. I already have most of the 1-1/4 inch PVC cut. I already can tell that its probably going to need support in the middle as both front legs will be in the air. I didn't want to have any supports showing but I'm thinking that I will have to add support in the mid section. I didn't use larger PVC because of the weight, and I may not get too much help in moving this thing around. Also, it will be staked into the ground using heavy metal garden stakes in the hind legs. I was going to use PVC cement in some strategic areas (especially back end) to hold the pose (hopefully!) and then I'll use your suggestion to screw in some fittings so it will come apart.

Witch from Canada, I'll post some pix (when I figure that out also!) of the progress...that is, if I make any progress! I just don't want this horse to be...lame!

Uhh, my idea doesn't work. The 1-1/4 inch PVC is not sturdy enough, as was previously suggested by HauntedPumpkin. I cemented the hip section and put the spine on and it promptly flexed back down to horizontal position. It would need some serious support forward of the mid section. I wonder if even the 2 inch PVC for hips, legs and spine would work. Should I just forget the PVC and go with wood? Would I then use deck screws? I generally don't make things with wood that I have to cut too much. I confess: I'm not experienced with power tools other than drill/driver and small zip saw, but we have some other power saws.

Cinders, I think wood may just cause headaches in other areas ...weight to say the least and what if it fell over. The design I have on paper, and where I would place it should I get down to make it, has the horse jumping over a small bush out on my lawn so a PVC pipe (painted flat black) can run through it and attach between the front legs. Just a thought but that is pending where you are locating it. Maybe over a fence, tombstone, hay bale...etc.

To be honest I never glue PVC together, very small screws at the connections do the trick just as well and you can unscrew it to store it or if you are like me...when you mess it up the first time! lol

I do also want to see pics when you get it together. Post some along way so we can see as well and to offer ideas.

I always find more to say after hitting post......

I think the 2" PVC would be ok if the front has support to hold it up. 3" could be a consideration but you might then have touse a ton of reducers or figure out a way to attach smaller lengths of PVC for ribs....etc.

I think it is all about front support and holding down the weight as much as possible in the midsection.

I'm seeing that I also have problems with the staking--that is where a lot of movement is coming from. I was using steel fencing stakes (the kind that wire fencing hooks to) and I'm getting a lot of movement. I wonder if using the 2" PVC and maybe fence posts (like for chain link fencing) and then also digging the legs into the ground would work. Then I'd have to make sure the PVC fit over the fence post. Or maybe the digging won't be necessary if I use a support.

This was all going along so smoothly in my head. First it was just an idea I was playing around with. NOW its a full out mission that must be accomplished!