The Action Man horse was first produced in 1972 by Palitoy to accompany the Lifeguards and Blues and Royals figures. It was documented by Palitoy as being difficult to produce and was withdrawn after only two years.
In 1972 Palitoy produced a horse with Full Dress Saddle to compliment the Life Guards and Blues and Royals, it was also a nice addition for the 17th / 21st Lancer, the Cowboy, Indian, 7th Cavalry and Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman.
The Horse had hair on the Mane and Tail and was available in Black or Brown, it was moulded in two parts with a visible seem along the top and bottom (the 40th anniversary edition doesn’t have the seem along the top). In 1973, not to be beaten Zodiac (Tommy Gunn) released a 1/6 scale horse, which was similar in size and had legs that folded at the knees to create different poses which was also well suited for the Action Man.
It is also worth pointing out that the Pedigree horse that was released as part of the Sindy range albeit an inch shorter is a good fit for the Vintage Action Man and the Gig Set works well with the Action Man Cowboy.
In 2006 Modellers Loft produced the 40th Anniversary Edition advertising it as “ACTION MAN 40TH Boxed Horse for LIFE GUARDS & THE BLUES & ROYALS” and apart from changing the manufacturing process and a small change to the artwork on the box it was an exact replica of the original version.
The only way to distinguish the original Palitoy horse from the later 40th edition is to check if there is a seam down the back of the horse, as the 40th edition didn’t have one.
Palitoy also released a Horse which included a full Life Guards uniform, these boxed sets are hard to find and some collectors will pay a lot just for a decent box on its own.
In 1977 Palitoy released a horse to compliment the US Cavalry and Native American Indian.
It came with a basic saddle and bridle, which was a bit disappointing as it didn’t include the Cavalry horse blanket.
Check out some of our latest products
