6o 



In consequence of the circumscribed accommoda- 

 tion mares are never taken down the pits, as there 

 would be danger in working them alongside of 

 stallions; but there is no reason why mares should 

 not be worked by themselves in small detached pits, 

 or even in remote sections of the same pits. 



There is a prevalent idea amongst people who 

 are unacquainted with the work that pit ponies are 

 badly used, but this is quite a mistake, for managers 

 of collieries, as a rule, look closely to the management 

 of the ponies. They are well fed, and look as sleek 

 and fit as a stud of hunters. The notion that ponies 

 go blind in the pits is ridiculous, as they retain their 

 eyesight indefinitely, unless injured by accidents, to 

 which they are, of course, from the dark nature of 

 their environment, particularly liable. As a rule, 

 they are only taken to the surface in the event of 

 strikes, disease, or death, and pit ponies live as long, 

 on the average, as horses on the surface. From the 

 uniform temperature of pits ponies suffer very little 

 from colds and similar ailments. 



Shetland ponies are also used for the conveyance 

 of children, whether in harness, panniers, or saddle, 

 and for this work they are exceedingly well fitted, 

 in consequence of their surefootedness, good temper, 

 and docility. Naturally, the better sorts are selected 

 for this work, and long prices are often given for 

 suitable ponies. 



