The Path of the Ponies

This June, the National Coal Mining Museum for England unveils their summer exhibition – The Path of The Ponies, exploring the world of the industry’s pit ponies and horses. The insightful exhibition, opening on 22 June 2015, will carefully examine how the pit ponies lives were entwined with that of coal mining for many centuries.

From conditions underground to training, from pony shows to retirement, the hidden lives of pit ponies continue to capture the imagination.

As pits grew deeper and thicker seams were worked, ponies were used for moving tubs underground. Women, and children under ten, were banned from underground work in the 1840s, so the use of ponies grew. In 1913 there were 70,000 ponies working in the British coalfields, but by 1992 this had fallen to just 23.

The new exhibition perfectly complements the museum’s resident Pit Ponies, Eric and Ernie and Clydesdale horse, Finn. Visitors can head to the stable yard and spend some time getting to know the horses a part of their day out.

During a day out at the museum, visitors can get to grips with the life of a miner on a special underground tour. After a busy day exploring the galleries and completing the nature trail, visitors can enjoy a delicious hot or cold snack in the Asparagus Green café. From conditions underground to training, from pony shows to retirement, the hidden lives of pit ponies continue to capture the imagination.