Weathervanes have been providing valuable weather information to farmers for hundreds of years. In Europe, weathervanes were commonly found on the highest building or church tower in town, but farmsteads in America were much more widespread, so farmers began putting weathervanes on their own barns. It became popular to customize weathervanes to reflect a family tradition or prized stock, such as horses, chickens, and pigs. Horse weathervanes were especially popular in the West where horses were necessary to the way of life.
Horse weathervanes gained widespread fame during the mid 19th century thanks to the immense popularity of horse racing at the time. Lithograph prints of racehorses were sold as household decorations, with one of the most famous racehorses at the time - Black Hawk - serving as the inspiration for some of the most popular Currier & Ives prints of all time. Race track betting was a regular American pastime, and harness racing could be found at every agricultural fair. Racehorses were the sports stars of their day, and the public couldn’t get enough of weathervanes made in their image.
The glorious tradition of horse weathervanes continues today, with many designs that mimic classic designs of the 19th century. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have 13 beautiful horse weathervane designs to choose from, whether you are looking to grace your barn, shed, or home with one of these beauties.
Horse weathervanes gained widespread fame during the mid 19th century thanks to the immense popularity of horse racing at the time. Lithograph prints of racehorses were sold as household decorations, with one of the most famous racehorses at the time - Black Hawk - serving as the inspiration for some of the most popular Currier & Ives prints of all time. Race track betting was a regular American pastime, and harness racing could be found at every agricultural fair. Racehorses were the sports stars of their day, and the public couldn’t get enough of weathervanes made in their image.
The glorious tradition of horse weathervanes continues today, with many designs that mimic classic designs of the 19th century. At Valley Forge Cupolas, we have 13 beautiful horse weathervane designs to choose from, whether you are looking to grace your barn, shed, or home with one of these beauties.
Our Horse Weathervanes Will Prance Their Way Into Your Heart
 |  |
This classic design is made in the tradition of 19th-century weathervane maker A. L. Jewell, who would construct his horses so that the foreleg formed part of the post. This elegant thoroughbred is available in both polished or patinated copper.
Part of our Smithsonian Collection, this petite design is perfect for sheds, garages, and smaller cupolas. Let this majestic horse run free above your home!
 |  |
Another variation of early horse weathervane designs, this fine creature is modeled after the famous racehorse Ethan Allen. Also available in polished or patina finishes, this durable copper weathervane will grace your home for decades to come.
Mane and tail flying in the wind, you can just picture this horse racing free across the wide open plains! Capture the freedom of the West with this beautiful weathervane.
 |  |
If you need a larger weathervane to enhance a long roofline, such as a barn or stable, we offer two horse weathervanes that take adorning large buildings in stride. The weathervane on the left incorporates an arrow into the design to make reading wind direction easier, while the racer on the right makes a bold statement in polished or patinated copper.
Our smallest horse weathervane design, this spritely racer is perfect for flying above a garden, shed, or small detached garage.
RSS Feed