30/07/2026
A fascinating piece of Collinsville’s mining history. Long before today’s underground equipment, pit ponies played a vital role in keeping operations moving and miners safe. Their story is a reminder of how far the industry has come—and of the mateship, resilience and innovation that have always been at the heart of mining. 🐴⛏️
FROM THE ARCHIVES | The Horses of Collinsville 🐴⛏️
In 1987, Collinsville No. 2 Mine made national headlines. Not because of coal production, but because of three horses: Marble, Warrior and Mister Ed.
These horses were not just "pit ponies", they were trusted workmates, and an essential part of life underground at Collinsville No. 2 Mine. They hauled loads, pulled cables, oil drums and breaker props through parts of the mine where machinery couldn't reach, helping keep the operation moving.
The horses would spend around five hours underground before returning to the surface to be hosed down, fed and well rested. They were well looked after. Warrior, pictured on the right, was known as the strongest, the youngest and the best puller of the three, so he often did the lion's share of the work.
Like any good workmates, they had plenty of personality too. The horses quickly learned where the crib room was, developing a taste for apples, sweets and even corned beef sandwiches. One horse became famous for slipping his halter and making a beeline for the crib room to help himself to everyone's lunch!
When management moved to replace the horses in the mid-1980s, miners didn't oppose the change out of sentiment alone. They argued the horses reduced the physical strain on workers and could safely access places machinery couldn't. Without them, miners feared they would become the "two-legged horses", carrying heavy equipment themselves and increasing the risk of injury.
After a lengthy battle through the Coal Reference Board, the union's case was upheld. Commissioner Mansini found there wasn't sufficient justification to remove the horses if it meant increasing the physical workload on miners. Rather than simply replacing them, the decision led to further investigations into better handling methods and new equipment—including trials of a Bobcat with a forklift attachment to ensure technology improved the job without simply shifting the burden onto workers.
For a time, the horses remained underground while those improvements were explored, proving this was never just a fight about horses, it was a fight for safer work.
The story of Collinsville's pit ponies is a reminder that behind every chapter of our industry's history are workers who stood together to protect not only their jobs, but each other.
📖 Source: The Coalminers of Queensland – The Pete Thomas Essays.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute of all was that the Union officially made the horses members too – a symbolic gesture recognising that Marble, Warrior and Mister Ed were more than working animals. They were valued workmates who played an important role in keeping miners safe underground
Pictured: Laurie Williams with Mister Ed (left) and Marble
