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Horses were used as laborers in American coal mines until 1971. With the closure of the New Gladstone Coal Mine, the practice came to an end. Americana: The Last Pony Mine documents the life of pit ponies and the men who worked beside them. Mainly used for hauling coal to the surface, horses were eventually replaced by modern machinery. In their heyday, they were a special breed, built for the claustrophobic and tight fit of the mines. The pony drivers had to develop strong bonds with these animals to guarantee safe conditions. In the end, success depended on partnership.