INature

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'Ghosts' of the Coal Mines.
These horses or "pit ponies" were deprived of experiencing the sunlight and fresh
air. Instead, they lived in darkness underground, relying on their instincts and
the guidance of their human partners, known as conogons. These horses were born,
worked, and perished in the dark, enduring strenuous labor. It was not uncommon for
a single horse to pull up to eight heavy coal wagons alone. Despite their
challenging circumstances, these animals maintained their dignity and were aware of
their rights, such as refusing to move if they felt burdened with excessive wagons.
They also possessed a remarkable sense of time, knowing when their working day
should end and finding their way back to the stables even in darkness. This
demanding work of horses in the mines continued until 1972 when technology took
over, marking the end of an era. On December 3, 1972, Ruby, the last miner's horse,
emerged from the mines in a grand fashion. Accompanied by an orchestra, Ruby,
adorned with a flower wreath, was brought out of the darkness, symbolizing the
conclusion of the era of mining horses and their connogon partners. To commemorate
their shared labor underground, a sculptural composition named "Conogon" was
erected within the Museum-Reserve "Red Hill".
Credits Goes to the respective Author