Many hands make light work

GHERINGA Farm in the low hills of Pakenham was the picturesque setting for the Women on Farms March farm visit, the first for 2011.
Its proud owner, Jane Greenman, gave an insight into riding, horse equipment and life with large horses.
Jane is a licensed racehorse trainer, a qualified judge and dressage instructor.
Her specialities with horses are nutrition and genetics.
This is obvious as she has raised not only the tallest horse in the world – Luscombe Nodram (“Noddy”) but also “Nash” a Suffolk punch, standing 18.1 hands.
Noddy is a Shire breed of horse. He stands 20.2 hands, a grey gelding who has appeared all over the world in newspapers, magazines and TV shows.
His favourite food is liquorice! He is currently managed by a commercial entertainment company but along with Nash is also being prepared for the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Shire horses are originally from England.
They are a powerful build, used for pulling heavy loads and carrying knights in armour.
They usually grow between 17.2 hands – 18.2 hands and can be coloured black, brown, or grey. There are currently less than 2000 in the world.
Nash, as a Suffolk punch gelding, is mainly used for farm work and special exhibitions. He has also appeared in newspapers and TV programs in Australia.
Suffolk punch also come from England. They are strong and powerful for pulling, have a quiet temperament, are hard working, and loyal.
They are mainly used for farm work and riding, growing to 17-18 hands and are varying shades of chestnut.
There are less than 300 in the world today, including just seven in Australia.
Jane kindly invited WOF members to inspect her charming home. It bears witness to her enthusiastic, interesting life and travels.
We were all thoroughly absorbed and thankful that Jane shared a small part of her life and knowledge with members.
Women of all ages are welcome to join Women on Farms.
The key criterion is an interest in farming and farming women – members do not have to be a farmer to participate.
The club’s next farm visit will be on Tuesday 5 April at certified organic dairy farm/free range hens, Ellinbank.
Phone secretary Jenny Stephenson on 9700 0282 for more details or, for information about the 2011 calendar of activities, look at the website www.womenonfarms.org.