This is a cartoonish horse with a sturdy base that gives it an adorable appearance. The tail that hangs down behind, and the head, capture the essence of the iconic image of a horse. It can also stand upright. If you pull its tail back and forth, you’ll find it also looks like the classic toy we played with as children – the rocking horse.
In this instruction, we use the Open Sink Fold as the basement of the horse, and the Inside Reverse Fold to form the head and tail.
We provide step-by-step diagram instructions and beginner-friendly videos. Check both for quicker learning.
If you are new to origami, start here from our beginner guide to know the basics and how to read the step-by-step instructions.
- Folding time: 20 minutes
- Paper: 15×15 cm
- Difficulty: Middle
Material
Get a piece of 15×15 cm origami square paper, with different colors on each side, to create a 9×10 cm origami horse.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Start with the white side of the paper facing up, and fold it in half horizontally, leaving a crease then unfold it.
Step 2
Fold it in half vertically, and unfold it.
Step 3
Flip the paper over.
Step 4
Fold the bottom right edge to align with the top left edge, leaving a crease then unfold it.
Step 5
Fold the bottom left edge to align with the top right edge, crease it well then unfold it.
Step 6
Shape the left and right edges and push the left, right, and top points to the bottom one, then flatten the fold to create a small square.
Step 7
Fold the bottom point of the top layer to the top point, leaving a crease then unfold it.
Step 8
Fold the bottom point of the top layer to meet the center intersection point.
Step 9
Fold up the bottom edge of the top layer along the horizontal crease.
Step 10
Flip the paper over.
Step 11
Fold the bottom point of the top layer to meet the top point, leaving a crease then unfold it.
Step 12
Fold the bottom point to meet the center intersection point.
Step 13
Fold up the bottom edge of the top layer along the horizontal crease.
Step 14
Fold down the top point diagonally to meet the top edge of the top layer, crease it well then unfold it.
Step 15
Rotate the paper 90 degrees vertically, and slightly open the paper from the bottom, you will find a square in the center, use your fingers to press the four creases to transfer them into mountain folds, and finally place it to its original position.
Step 16
Rotate it 180 degrees.
Step 17
Fold the left point of the top layer to the right side along the dotted line, leaving a crease then unfold it.
Step 18
Lift the top layer to open the left corner, and push this corner to the right side, then flatten the fold along the crease you made in the previous step.
Step 19
Turn over the paper.
Step 20
Similarly, fold the right corner to the left along the dotted line, crease it well then unfold it.
Step 21
Lift the top layer to open the right corner, then push this corner to the left side, and finally flatten the fold along the creases you just made.
Step 22
Fold the top right point down along the dotted line, and unfold it.
Step 23
Fold the right edge of the top layer to the left side, then fold down the top point a little [as the second picture shows]. Next, fold the top edge down along the creases you made in the previous step, and finally push the left edge to align with the right edge to close it. The horse’s head is formed.
Step 24
Fold the left corner to the right side along the dotted line.
Step 25
Fold the top left and right edges to align with the middle vertical crease.
Step 26
Then fold this top layer in half vertically from the right to the left.
Step 27
Fold the top point down, crease it well then unfold it.
Step 28
Fold the left corner to the right side to expand the tail part, then press down the top point along the creases you just made, and finally close the tail part.
Step 29
Rotate it 90 degrees forward, and fold the two top corners towards the center. Flatten and rotate back to the original position.
What’s Next
This is the final shape of a super cute origami horse, it may add a touch of charm and personality to your life. Now you can explore our other origami animal instructions. Happy folding!
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