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Home » Industry » Coal industry » Pit ponies

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  • This postcard is part of the 'Colliery Series' of postcards published by the 'Western Mail', c. 1903-5. Six of the seven postcards in the series featured red and black scenes illustrating the work of the collier underground, and they are signed by J. M. Staniforth. However, one blue card, entitled 'A South Wales Colliery', was not signed by Staniforth. Staniforth was born in Cardiff in 1863 and started publishing his cartoons in the 'Western Mail' in 1889. His cartoons became an important feature in the newspaper for several decades to come and provide an interesting commentary on many aspects of Welsh life during this period.
Postcard: 'The Colliery Series of Postcards: Stables', c, 1903-5
Bwllfa Colliery underground stables, Cwmdare, early 20th century
  • Pit ponies were shod with rubber horseshoes in order to reduce the likelihood of sparks leading to explosions underground.
Firestone rubber horse shoe, 20th century [image 1 of 2]
Poultice boot for the feet of injured pit ponies, Cefn Coed Colliery
  • In this letter an injury to a pony at Maes y Marchog Colliery is reported to the management. The injury consisted of a puncture wound between its forelegs that may have been caused by a pick. However, no one working with the pony can provide any explanation of how it happened. The productivity at the mine is also discussed.
Letter detailing injury to a pit pony, 19th century
Postcard: 'Disaster at the "Universal" Pit, Senghenydd. "Candy", one of the oldest horses', 1913