HELP w/ANY INFO/AGE OF LARGE OLD CARVED WOOD HORSE & RIDER

Hi all
I found this at a local thrift store today. It's dirty, but it's also larger than any I've seen before + the nails looked pretty old too.
But I've been wrong before (Boy have I!), so I thought it best to post it here hoping someone could tell me more about it - like age? Can I clean it some (softly)? Where it's from (can you tell by clothing)? Anything would help.
It measures 17"W x 18.5"H
Thank you!

 

Given the subject, South America I'd think. Not new new but not old old. A decorative import. 1970s maybe?

Debora

 

Here's another one that looks a bit older. A santos figure from South America. Santiago Matamoros.

https://www.chairish.com/product/16...ychrome-santos-figure-on-wood-horse-sculpture

Debora

 

Tons of these come up when you do a Google Image search for "Santiago Matamoros" and "santo." Yours is missing hands, of course. One would be holding a sword.

Debora

 

Sadly, yours looks to be in dire need of a couple of prostheses......know any primitive carvers?????

 

My house. Thanksgiving.

Debora

 

LOL