"Rockinghorseman"
Many of us have chatted with "Rock" for over a decade and have enjoyed seeing photos of his work.
Rockinghorses have only occupied the last 24 years of his interesting life. Amongst other things, he has built and raced power boats, hosted his own TV show "Handyman Hints", started a NZ chapter of the "Studebaker Owners Club of America" (was made "Overseas Director".) and has written 5 books.
"Rock" has decided that, as his 82nd birthday approaches, it's time to wind down his rockinghorse business and to mark this, has crafted a magnificent horse, which he has named "Son of PharLap"
“Rock’s” Stables - New and Restored
Restoration
Before
After
“Rock’s” second book
PharLap is Australia’s most famous racehorse. He was a champion who won not only the best horse races in Australia, but also the richest race in North America ( 20th of March , 1932. ).
This gentle giant also won the hearts of everyone who saw him or heard mention of his name during the Great Depression when there was little else to provide hope and joy in people’s lives.
"PharLap", (known variously as "Big Red" or the "Red Terror") one of the biggest horses ever to race in Australia , stood about 17 hands high. After his death his heart was found to weigh 14 Ibs, said to be the the largest of any thoroughbred known in turf history .
"PharLap" is the Sinhalese word for " wink of the sky", i.e. lightning .
It is fitting that this masterpiece is the "Son of PharLap", a tribute to the memory of a great horse by a great craftsman.
More details and photos of this are on “Rock’s” website.
This gentle giant also won the hearts of everyone who saw him or heard mention of his name during the Great Depression when there was little else to provide hope and joy in people’s lives.
"PharLap", (known variously as "Big Red" or the "Red Terror") one of the biggest horses ever to race in Australia , stood about 17 hands high. After his death his heart was found to weigh 14 Ibs, said to be the the largest of any thoroughbred known in turf history .
"PharLap" is the Sinhalese word for " wink of the sky", i.e. lightning .
It is fitting that this masterpiece is the "Son of PharLap", a tribute to the memory of a great horse by a great craftsman.
More details and photos of this are on “Rock’s” website.
"Son of PharLap"
.