OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Curios and Stories SHANKS' PONY - A Correction

Hello ODK History Lovers

I think I know why people hold on to myths. It's salutary; it makes us feel good.
I have often heard lawnmower collectors tell me the story that the old saying about
"Shanks' pony" derives from the manufacturer, Alexander Shanks.

It doesn't...

In this post, I'd like to set the record straight. John Ellis, one of the leading
commentators and historians on Alexander Shanks and Son of Arbroath, had this to say
on the topic in his great work Scotland's Engineering Heritage:



The UK site Phrases.org confirms the facts:-



Of course, I don't want to discourage folks from using the expression. It's a wonderful old saying
that conveys, beautifully, the notion of the hard walk. Just don't continue the myth that the saying
is related to Alex Shanks and his son, of lawnmower fame.

The rest is history.
------------------------------------
JACK

CURIOS & STORIES



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