Castlemaine craftsman Tom Taft has once again put his woodworking skills to the test to restore a beloved rocking horse heirloom belonging to the Dennis family at Chewton.
Our friends at the Chewton Chat kindly allowed us to share this story, originally told to John Ellis by family member Julie Dennis. It really does give weight to the old saying ‘Hold your horses!’
The rocking horse was purchased in 1950 by Ronald and Alice Dennis of Chewton for their sons Reuben (Rick) and Athol.
In 1996 Alice gifted the rocking horse to Athol and wife Julie to be enjoyed by their three daughters Kristen, Brianna and Georgia.
When the girls grew up it was placed into a back shed and forgotten.
However, in April 2025, on learning of the pending arrival of their first grandchild, Athol pulled the old horse out of storage with plans of giving it a makeover and gifting it to Georgia and partner Ryan to celebrate the birth of their son in August 2025.
But when Athol pulled the old horse out of storage it was looking quite worse for wear. On closer inspection he discovered the horse was constructed of a simple wooden frame, filled out with wood shavings and covered in cow hide.
It was destined for the tip, but Julie enlisted the help of local artisan Tom Taft, 85, to breath new life into the keepsake.
Tom used oregon, clamps and glue to give the horse a new sturdy structure.
He even created an internal space for a time capsule – a treasury of family history that Tom hopes will never be seen!
He then painstaking sanded, carved and shaped the horse before painting and mottling the surface to give ‘Neddy’, as Tom dubbed the rocking horse, its own unique personality.
Finally accoutrements were ordered and as they arrived the saddle and stirrups were fitted, the bridle placed over the head. The mane and tail added, and a glint in the eye completed a horse ready to rock!
The Dennis family now have a horse with a history and all involved are glad the horses had been held!
When the story was recently shared on the Chewton.net Facebook page a number of followers recounted their own memories of their beloved rocking horses. And a few even queried whether Tom was open for more horsey business! Sadly that horse has bolted with Tom’s arthritis making big projects tricky. But he is certainly very proud of this latest labour of love.