Lifestyle & Entertainment
17 September, 2025
Horsing around
THE Ararat Men’s Shed has taken on a unique project, carefully restoring a rocking horse believed to be close to 100 years old.
The horse, once owned by the father of a former Langi Morgala Museum volunteer, came into the hands of local resident Laurie Brewster, who later approached the Men’s Shed about preserving the piece.
Over the past three months, Men’s Shed member Jerry Zabenko has led the restoration.
“When I looked at it I thought, oh it’ll be a couple of weeks… three months later,” Jerry laughed.
“It was quite a delicate job, especially how to put the mane in. We cleaned up all the timber work but kept it original. I believe it’s lovingly restored.”
With leatherwork for the restored saddle and bridle contributed by local crafters, the rocking horse now retains its original character, including visible joinery lines, while sporting new horsehair painstakingly fitted in place.
“It took quite a long time to get original horse’s hair,” Jerry said.
“It’s all sort of a little bit of trickery of the eye, but it looks alright.”
For Jerry, the project was a rewarding challenge.
“I have absolutely loved it, it was a pleasant challenge. Laurie made the original suggestion not to hide and restore it, because then it becomes a new horse.”
The rocking horse is expected to go on display at Langi Morgala Museum in the coming months, providing the community with a tangible link to the past.
Jerry also encouraged anyone interested to consider joining the Men’s Shed.
“Whether you’ve got a skill, which is wonderful, or if you haven’t, it doesn’t matter. I came in as an artist, not a woodworker. I used to sit and have a coffee and chat to people, and then I found myself taking on projects like this.”
Those keen to learn more about the Ararat Men’s Shed can contact President Phillip Graham on 0498 090 421.
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