Billy Boy of Lambeth Walk SE11

13/06/2025

South of England Show 2025
Saturday 7th June

Judged by Mr John Fairbairn from Northumberland, today’s heavy horse class featured matching pairs of horses pulling four-wheeled vehicles. The winner was Kurt Manders from Colchester driving his dark bay Shires. He was presented with the Sidney Truett Challenge Cup by Virginia Lewis-Jones who kindly sponsored the class. South of England Agricultural Society

Words by Stephanie DeWitt
Photograph by Julian Portch Photography

14/06/2024

Billy boy on exercise this afternoon

11/06/2024

Billy boy out on exercise this afternoon

26/05/2024

On 25th May 1999 the last pit pony in South Wales, 'Robbie', worked his last shift underground at Pant y Gaseg, Pontypool.

In 1913 there were 70,000 ponies working underground in Britain's coal mines, gradually replaced by mechanised haulage, until by 1984 only 55 ponies were still in use.

Small ponies no more than 12 hands high were needed, with Shetlands being a breed commonly used because of their small size. The ponies were stabled underground, coming to the surface only during the colliery's annual holiday. They would work an eight-hour shift, during which they might haul 30 tons of coal.

16/05/2024

10/10/2023