Importance of Wooden Horse

The wooden horse Grandpa makes for Junie symbolizes agency. Before Junie has the horse, she must rely upon her grandfather to carry her around. Once she has the horse, however, she is able to move around the property at her leisure. Grandpa particularly realizes the significance of the horse on the night Junie rides it down to the river in a fit of upset. The horse gives her a way to make decisions and to express feelings of entrapment, without having to rely upon others.