Watch Pit Pony

Pit Pony is a Canadian television drama that premiered in 1999 and ran for two seasons until 2000. The show is set in the early 1900s in a small Nova Scotian mining town and revolves around the lives of the local miners and their families. The title of the show is inspired by the use of pit ponies in the coal mines, which were an essential part of the mining process.

The show follows the main character, Willie MacLean (played by Alex Wrathell), a young boy who works in the mines alongside his father, a miner named John MacLean (played by Denny Doherty). Willie is responsible for taking care of the pit pony, a mare named Ginger, who helps haul coal carts underground. He forms a special bond with Ginger, and their relationship is a central theme of the show.

Another significant character in the series is Catherine Furey (played by Ellen Page), a new schoolteacher who arrives in town from the city. She faces many challenges in the conservative mining town, where education and literacy are not a priority. However, she is determined to make a difference and help the children of the town learn to read and write.

Anna Wedlock plays the role of Mary MacLean, Willie's mother, who struggles to keep her family together despite the hardships they face. Shaun Smyth portrays the character of Parker, the mine owner who is eternally at odds with the miners who work for him. He is a complicated character, who is often painted in shades of grey, but his relationship with the MacLean family develops over the course of the two seasons.

Jeremy Akerman plays the character of the town doctor, who is frequently called upon to treat injuries sustained by the miners in the pits. He is a compassionate man who is dedicated to his profession, but his role in the show is relatively minor.

The show deals with many of the themes that were relevant during the early 1900s, such as child labor, workers' rights, and education. It also explores the relationships between different members of the community, including the miners, the mine owner, and the townspeople. The show's portrayal of the harsh living conditions and the struggle for survival is both gritty and realistic.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the show is the use of the pit ponies. These animals were an integral part of the mining process at the time, and their presence on the show adds an extra layer of intrigue. The relationship between Willie and Ginger is particularly heartwarming and touching, and it is clear that the show's creators had a great deal of respect and admiration for these animals.

Overall, Pit Pony is a well-written, well-acted drama that tells a compelling story set against the harsh backdrop of a Nova Scotian mining town. The characters are well-defined, and the show's themes are universal and timeless. Despite the show's relatively short run, it has become a Canadian classic and is still beloved by many viewers today.

Pit Pony is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (74 episodes). The series first aired on February 5, 1999.