Pit Pony

Based on the award-winning novel by Joyce Barkhouse, this moving family drama is set in a small coal-mining town in Nova Scotia during the early 20th century. The story follows young Willie MacLean, a boy with a deep love for horses who is forced to work in the dangerous coal mines to help support his family after a tragic accident. Amidst the harsh conditions of the "pit," Willie forms an unbreakable bond with a small pony used to haul coal. The film features an early performance by Ellen Page and stars Ben Rose-Davis, Richard Donat, and Denny Doherty. Directed by Eric Till, this 1997 production captures a poignant chapter of Atlantic Canadian history, exploring themes of courage, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.