We are looking forward to the “Men’s Work” display on Sunday, 17 August 2014, with access to the Blacksmith’s Cottage and Forge Bookbarn from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Our wheelwright shed will be open where you can view old tools valuable to the working blacksmith and wheelwright of yesteryear. Walk around the yard, take a look at the newly located Police Cell, wooden carts (transport for families and industry), peer down the well – there’s plenty for you to explain to the kids.
Our feature guest for the day will be Lockie, a Clydesdale. He is much more than a “show pony” – he will demonstrate working on long lead, chain harness and show harness. You can watch him “working” around 1.30pm and 3.00pm – we’re not keeping him to a strict schedule but he’ll show his skills twice.
Here is a little bit of background of the Clydesdale taken from information given us by the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society, Victorian Branch Inc.:
“The Clydesdale: towering in presence but gentle by nature. With the echo of large hooves on the ground, the silky white hair flowing from long athletic limbs, Clydesdales are unique in the horse world.
Clydesdale origins can be traced to the Lanarkshire region of Scotland from the early 1700’s. The Scots selectively bred horses to enhance strength, soundness and temperament. The Gold Rush era of the 1850’s brought many Scottish migrants to Australia. Sadly they did not fulfil their dreams but made a life for themselves developing the agriculture and farmlands. Clydesdales worked the cereal crops of the Wimmera, Mallee, Riverina, Darling Downs and similar areas all over Australia. Their active and spirited gait at the walk, coupled with their willingness to work made them invaluable in covering our large acreages and vast distances between towns. Their kind temperament endeared them to those who worked with them. The modern Clydesdale is a tall, weighty, athletic heavy horse, displaying an alert but calm temperament.”
Take the opportunity, if you are able, and come and visit us on Sunday, 17 August – you are most welcome. Entry is free.
Men’s Work, Lockie the Clydesdale
