It was quite natural that it became a horse. You can trace the origin of this craft back to the lumberjacks' log-cabins as early as the 18th century. There they would sit round the open fires during winter, resting after the days tree-felling and transporting logs. Having prepared and eating their meal, checked over their tools, they often relaxed by carving figures from odd pieces of wood. The popular choice was a horse, these were taken home to the children in the villages, they became much treasured toys for play both in and outdoor. A horse represented a creature of great value, a tower of strength in helping the family. A faithful friend who drew loads in the forest during winter, worked in the field and meadow when spring and summer arrived, carriedequipment up to the delightful summer pastures and adjoining chalets. It also provided transport between villages and parishes, needed for daily use as well as for different events throughout the year. Trips to the mill, to market, to church it really "pulled its weight" a veritable beast of burden. There was som much pleasure with a horse, children really enjoyed their company, they could ride bare-back and many were able to sit on a broad strong back at the same time.
During 19th century it became custom to paint the wooden horses with richly coloured flowers patterns like those Dala paintings that decorated furniture and interior walls. Those who traveled around the country to sell products of the cottage industry, baksets, grinding scones, wooden casks, took Dala horses to add to their selection of goods. The latter were often used as payment for board and lodging. Wooden horses came originally from the Mora villages of Vattnäs, Risa, Bergkarlås and Nusnäs. The most well known carver from the old days was Tysk Anders Gunnarsson, known as "Gambel Damben". In 1928 the brothers Nils and Jannes Olsson took up the old handicraft. Nils was 15, Jannes 13 years old. Since then the genuine Dala horses have been made here in the workshop, but in the surrounding villages many people are fully occupied with carving horses to be collected and delivered to Nusnäs, where decorating takes place. This authentic handicraft continues as before.