Underground Cuddies

“Underground Cuddies” is a new temporary exhibition at the Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston that celebrates the achievements of West Lothian’s pit ponies.

Until the late 1950s, ponies and horses were employed in many local mines, pulling wagons of shale from the pit face to underground stations from where the shale was hauled to the surface. In the later days of the industry, the ponies were well cared for and much loved by the miners, and were a favourite feature of local agricultural shows and gala day parades.

The exhibition features items of harness and tack used in the mines, some of the certificates awarded to ponies and their handlers, and many other mementos. The display also features activities for children, including brushing and plaiting pony “tails” and making rosettes to award to your favourite horse at the agricultural show.

The museum continues to research the history of pits ponies in the shale industry, and would very much like to hear from anyone with memories or mementos.

Almond Valley is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and the exhibition will continue until the end of the year.