* Hauling coal: They pulled small carts loaded with coal from the working face to the main haulage system, making the process of extracting coal much more efficient.
* Transporting miners and equipment: They were also used to transport miners to and from the working face, as well as to move equipment and supplies within the mine.
* Ventilation: In some cases, pit ponies were used to help ventilate the mine by pulling air currents through the tunnels.
It's important to note that pit ponies were primarily used in smaller and shallower mines before mechanization. As mines grew larger and deeper, they were eventually replaced by more powerful machinery.
Here are some further details about their role:
* Tough working conditions: Pit ponies worked in extremely challenging conditions, often in darkness, with poor ventilation and exposure to coal dust and fumes.
* Importance to miners: They were integral to the miners' livelihoods, and they were often treated with care and affection.
* Legacy: The use of pit ponies is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of miners in the past. They were vital to the coal industry, and their contribution is remembered by many.