Mexborough and Swinton Times June 8, 1928

Veteran Pit Ponies.

The photograph below is kindly supplied by Mr. John Minnikin, general manager of Hickleton Main Colliery.

It shows six pit: ponies which have been employed underground al Hickleton Main for many years and are still in first-class condition. Owing to the extended Whitsuntide holiday the ponies were drawn to the surface and put out to grass.

Of these six ponies one has been in the pit; 24 years, one 21 years, one 20 years, one 18 years, and the other two each 15 years.

In equally fine fettle are “Sailor” (29 years) and “Sweep” (31).

Mr. Minnikin writes: “I would like you to publish one or all of these photographs to show that, what is said from time to time about the ill-treatment of pit ponies does not obtain at every pit. The condition of these ponies is excellent in every way and speaks volumes for the care and attention given to them by. the horsekeepers and drivers. It is very pleasing to note that for the last seven or eight years no ease of ill-treatment of pit ponies has been brought to our notice.