This summer, the National Coal Mining Museum opened their new Pony Discovery Centre. To celebrate, the museum and Ignite Yorkshire ran a workshop for young people from Wakefield Down’s Syndrome group.
The young people discovered how the ponies are an integral part of coal mining heritage, learned what life was like for them underground, and met experienced horse keepers. They used objects and images to find out the role of pit ponies in mining, and created their own sound effects. Of course, the highlight of the day was meeting the Centre’s three ponies and Clydesdale horse.
“As well as learning so much, our young people had a lot of fun interacting with one another over lunch and in the play area, which made them so happy after isolating for so long, and as parents we were able to enjoy some much needed social interaction.”
Parent
The day was a fantastic success. We are very pleased to say that one of the young participants has since done work experience at the Museum.
Find out more about the new Pony Discovery Centre at National Coal Mining Museum here.
All photographs were taken by JMA Photography.