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Working pony equipment
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
© National Coal Mining Museum for England (Photo: National Coal Mining Museum for England)
When working, pit ponies used a draught collar, but the limmers (short shafts), complete with tug and breeching hooks, were hung on their sides with a ridge chain and extra rump straps. The wooden shafts were joined at the rear by a semi-circular iron, which was attached to a lug on the tub by a cotteril (cotter pin), or by an extra shaft iron dropped on to the bottom of the tub.
Pit ponies would have spent a more peaceful life in lush meadows above ground, but working horses cannot exist without fulfilling an economic function. Generally, good ponies were inclined to be overworked, but they led busy, useful lives.
Pit ponies would have spent a more peaceful life in lush meadows above ground, but working horses cannot exist without fulfilling an economic function. Generally, good ponies were inclined to be overworked, but they led busy, useful lives.