Shanks's Pony

Where did the expression come from? Who was Shanks and did he have a pony?

We were discussing this at work the other day and we didn't know the answer. I am sure someone here will have though!

Re: Shanks's Pony

Shanks pony means to walk but not sure where the saying came from. Another saying is the mare with ten toes☺

Re: Shanks's Pony

Your Shanks are Your legs and I think it was an old Scots/Irish saying...If You didn't have a Mare/pony then You had to walk.

Re: Shanks's Pony

Sounds reasonable ...............

Re: Shanks's Pony

I use mine everyday not being a driver or owner of a car.
Probably why I am as fit as a lop as they say in Yorkshire.
Probably have to explain that as well.

Re: Shanks's Pony

Aye Me too,I walk everywhere...Never heard the saying fit as a lop though,what the hecks a lop? :~)

Re: Shanks's Pony

Google to the rescue!

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/shanks-mare.html

Re: Shanks's Pony

Thank you for answers. I obviously knew it meant to walk but hadn't given a thought to Shanks being part of the leg. I was convinced it was a person but maybe it was according to the Google explanation.

Re: Shanks's Pony

They say ‘Shanks Mare’ here, Mags link has it right, having to use the shank part of your legs, slogging it.
The only other Shanks I know of were the crowd who made ‘Lavatory furniture’ as the victorians used to call urinals and arsenals.

Re: Shanks's Pony

I do believe 'A Lop' is a flea, and because fleas can jump well beyond their expectations they are considered fit.