Pit ponies brought from the pit for grazing during the General Strike

Ponies were brought up to the surface during periods of strike, as well as during holidays and for race days. This photograph was taken during the 1926 General Strike, which lasted for 9 days between the 4th-12th of May. The strike was in protest against planned wage reductions and worsening working conditions for miners.

In the background is Carr Vale Railway Viaduct in Bolsover, which was demolished in 1952. This suggests that these ponies probably belonged to Bolsover Colliery.