Star status for gentle giant

By Callan Date
A HORSE is a horse, of course, but a Pakenham giant may lay claim to being a whole lot more than that.
Noddy, a threeyearold shire horse, has been gracing the Pakenham paddocks of Jane Greenman for the past two years and is just starting to catch the eye of a few equine enthusiasts.
Known as one of the largest breeds in the world, with only about 60 in Australia, Noddy is certainly living up to that largerthanlife reputation.
“He eats that much, it’s like having a family of teenage boys to feed,” she said.
The Pakenham farmer has owned Noddy since he was six months old and although he is the biggest horse in the paddock – by no means does he rule the farm.
“He is lowest on the pecking order because he’s the youngest,” she said.
Noddy stands at an unofficial 19.2 hands without the height advantage of horseshoes the world record is currently held by a Belgium draughthorse that has Noddy covered by only a few inches.
But that could soon be eclipsed with Noddy expected to continue growing for another two years.
However, looks can be deceiving and the giant was as placid as they come when dealing with fascinated children and punters at a recent race meeting at Caulfield.
Ms Greenman said Noddy had spent 12 quiet months in a paddock before she brought him to the races last week, but he was great.
So great in fact, Noddy was happy to stand for six hours and just horse around.
“He was like a Hollywood star,” she said.
“He even started stamping his feet when I tried to get him in the float and take him home.”
The future is looking bright for Noddy, who may one day be mentioned alongside equine greats like Mr Ed and Phar Lap, with another appearance at Caulfield and a debut at horseshow Equitana scheduled for next year.
And as for the name?
Ms Greenman said it was his big ears.
“All I could see when he was first in the float were these big ears,” she laughed.