[The Saucepan Man]

Actually, I believe that Rohan became the "hare centre" of Middle-earth in the Third Age. The people of Rohan prized hares above all else. Hence their name "Rohirrim" from the Sindarin for "harey-people". Since most of their hares were blonde, they became known amongst the Dunlendings as "straw-hares".

The most prized hares in Rohan were the Marcheas, descendants of the March Hare of Orome the Hatter. It is said that, back in the mists of time, oft could Orome be seen at Middle-earth garden parties with his March Hare in tow.

Theoden's hare, Cottontail, was one of the Marcheas, but became known as Theodens' folly when it fell on him at the tea-party of Pelennor and crushed him under its weight.