Sultan The Pit Pony, Wales

Sultan the Pit Pony, located at the old Penallta Colliery site near Caerphilly, Wales, serves as a memorial to the pit ponies that once laboured in the mines of South Wales.

As one of the largest figurative earth sculptures in the country, "Sultan the Pit Pony" attracts visitors from far afield who come to see and admire him.

Designed by Welsh sculptor Mike Petts, the earthworks took three years to complete, from 1996 to 1999.

Sultan was crafted with a dual purpose.

It not only provides a path for walkers along its spine, a seating area in its giant nostril, and a bench in its ear but also acts as a windbreak to protect the nearby Parc Penallta events area.

Additionally, giant hoof prints are scattered around the field above Sultan's head.

During rainy periods, these fill with water, creating pools that attract wildlife to the park.

The 200 metre long artwork was named 'Sultan' by people locally after a famous pit pony called 'Sultan'. 

Pit ponies, the sturdy and resilient equines, played a crucial role in the coal mining industry from the 18th through the 20th centuries.

These small but strong horses and ponies were employed to transport coal and other materials in underground mines, enduring harsh conditions and becoming indispensable to the mining operations of their time.

The use of pit ponies in coal mines began in the 18th century, primarily in Britain, where coal mining was a burgeoning industry.

The need for an efficient means of transporting heavy loads of coal from deep underground to the surface was paramount.

Initially, human labor was used, but as mines expanded and shafts grew deeper, the demand for more powerful and reliable methods of transport led to the introduction of pit ponies.

Life for a pit pony was arduous and demanding.

Typically, they worked in the mines for up to 10 years, often starting as young as four years old.

These ponies were chosen for their size, strength, and temperament.

A good pit pony needed to be small enough to navigate the tight and low-ceilinged mine tunnels but strong enough to pull heavy coal-laden carts.

Once inside the mines, pit ponies lived in dark, cramped conditions, often spending up to 16 hours a day underground.

They worked alongside miners, pulling carts loaded with coal along tracks to the surface or to a central collection point within the mine.

The relationship between the miners and their ponies was typically close, as the safety and efficiency of the work depended heavily on mutual trust and understanding.

The welfare of pit ponies varied significantly over the centuries. In the early days, their treatment was often harsh, with little regard for their well-being.

However, as awareness of animal welfare grew, so did the efforts to improve the lives of these working animals.

By the 19th century, laws were enacted to protect pit ponies, mandating better living conditions, regular breaks, and proper veterinary care.

Organisations like the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) campaigned for better treatment of pit ponies, leading to significant improvements by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Despite these advancements, the life of a pit pony remained challenging, and their contribution to the mining industry often went unrecognised.

The use of pit ponies began to decline in the mid-20th century with the advent of mechanisation in mining.

Machines like conveyor belts and battery-powered locomotives gradually replaced the need for animal labor in mines.

By the 1960s, the era of the pit pony was drawing to a close, and by the 1970s, their use had largely ceased in most developed countries.

Visiting the Sultan Pit Pony

Parc Penallta is not just about Sultan, impressive though he is.

Climb to the High Point Observatory and you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the South Wales valleys. 

As you explore this diverse site it's hard to imagine that this beautiful and tranquil place was a black coal tip only 30 years ago.

Parc Penallta is a place for you to explore.

From the wide-open areas on the plateau to the more intimate spaces of the lower part of the site there are hidden gems for you discover.

For the best viewpoint in the park make your way to the High Point Observatory where you'll be rewarded with stunning 360° panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

Looking like an alien spaceship has landed the 6 "wings" point to the local communities surrounding the park.

Those communities helped design them and each depict images of local heritage, natural wildlife and recreation. 

With its mix of woodlands, ponds and grasslands Parc Penallta is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

Look out for several species of orchids in early summer, many types of dragonflies and damselflies and explore our acres of flowering meadows which are alive with butterflies, bees and other insects throughout the summer.

If you’d like to visit, the address is: Penallta Parc, Penallta Rd, Hengoed CF82 7GL.

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