The Donalson Jockey Cycle was manufactured in Kansas City in the 1940's for about 4 years from 1944 until 1948 by the J.E. Donalson Manufacturing Company. According to local newspapers in the area, the company's most notable product was the Donalson Jockey Cycle, a tricycle that was ridden like a horse rather than pedaled. The company also made bicycle, tricycles and some airplane parts for the US Military during World War II.
There really are no records to know how Jockey Cycles many were manufactured but several web sites estimated about 100. The cycles were sold across the country before the company went out of business.
The cycle in the picture below was purchased by my wife's grandfather around 1950 and has been in her family all these years. She rode it, our children rode it, and now the grandchildren are riding it. This instructable gives information about the reconditioning of our Jockey Cycle.
A video demonstration can be viewed by clicking here.

Step 1: Jockey Cycle Power

The Jockey Cycle is a most unusual tricycle, since it has two large rear wheels and a very small front wheel. What makes it even more unusual is the way it is powered. Instead of the usual rotary pedals, the Jockey Cycle has a bar that is pushed down on with both feet. This turns the rear axle crank which rotates the rear wheels. Another unusual feature is the saddle/seat to moves up and down when the wheels turn, giving the rider the feeling of riding a horse.

Step 2: Restoring

After many years of use and out in the weather, the unit was restored this past year. The cycle was disassembled, sand blasted, painted and reassembled. After reassembling the cycle received a final paint coat.

Step 3:

Since the cap on the handle bar was missing and caused several cut fingers, a new metal cap was made. A short piece of tubing had slots cut partially lengthwise and the the tabs folded inward. The taps were solder together and the excess ground off. Bondo was applied and sanded prior to painting. A hole was drilled and tapped and an allen screw inserted to secure the cap to the steering post.

Step 4:

The name plate was also missing. After locating a picture of the name plate on the internet, a layout was made in CorelDRAW, and etched with a CO₂ laser printer.