Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross

Giddy-up Daddy! - A Game Between Parents and Children

In several of the illustrations, a father is seen lovingly playing a game of horsy with his child. This game is played by mounting a child on a leg or knee and singing or reciting the rhyme. The cock-horse in this case is the parent's leg. This simple game has been played for centuries.

In the illustration from Sing Mother Goose, the setting for this game is a wealthy home. The father is dressed formally in white-tie and tuxedo, and his shoes have a bright shine. Next to the father on a red stool, lie a top hat, cane, and white gloves that show that he may be leaving after he plays with his daughter. His destination may be a fine lady's home, as one can surmise from the bouquet and gift on the floor. The father looks stiff and has a reserved delight on his face. His daughter looks like she is smiling in delight at the constant motion of his leg moving up and down. She is riding sidesaddle which shows she is a proper young girl.

As times change, lifestyles have become more informal. This second illustration shows a father playing with his son before bed. The father is much more involved in the game than the father in the other illustration. He is smiling, and one can see the movement of his legs. The T-shirt and jeans make him look like most parents today. Since most illustrations show girls on the "horse," the use of a boy in this illustration is a departure.