Horses

Horses were also an important part of the coal mining industry. They were used to haul cars from the coal faces to the mine entrance. The horses learned quickly what their role was in the mine and needed little command. In fact, reins were hardly ever used, only verbal prompting such as "gee" and "haw". Miners became very attached to the horses under their responsibility. Fred Beresford, a stable boss at Galt No. 3 mine, died during a fire because he insisted on going to the underground stable to look after his horses. In 1984, a miner named Charlie Watmough, noted that "those Welsh and Shetland ponies were valued very highly but are now extinct in this area. They drifted unheralded into the past, never to return. If ever a good replica of a mine horse was to be placed on a pedestal, I think the old miners would remove their hat in its presence. Yes, and I think a few tears would be shed as well. Such was the love for those little band-tails."

This sign guided the operation of the elevators in the mines.