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Pit pony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A pit pony was a type of pony commonly used in coal mines up until the mid 20th century. Shetlands were used because of their small size.
Pit "ponies" were used for both economical and practical reasons and their use is said to have been instrumental in making coal mining a success.
The ponies were low set, heavy bodied and heavy limbed with plenty of bone and substance. They were low-headed and "sure-footed" and not under five years of age, and possibly not more than 14 years of age.
They worked in the mines, carrying their heads very low pulling heavy loads.
Pit ponies were well cared for in most cases and well fed and watered to ensure their reliability in the mines.
It is rumoured that some mines had pit ponies that never left the underground. They actually had stables underground for them.
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