Glace Bay, Nova Scotia Canada, 1901. Willie MacLean is a 10-year-old boy with a love for horses and liking to school to cape the difficult times his family has. Willie’s stern, but benevolent father is a coal miner in a local mine along with his older brother John. But when Willie’s father is injured and John is killed in an accident at the mine, Willie is forced to step into his brother’s shoes to support his older sister Nelle, and two younger sisters until their father recovers. Willie soon finds work at the mine lonely (aka: the pit) and unfriendly in which he forms a bond with a pit pony horse in order to make it though each day.. Based on the Award Winning Novel.
What a heartwarming and wonderful movie for the whole family!! It is a story about a young boy who loves horses and hates the coal mine his father and brother work in. After his father is injured, the boy has no choice but to work in the scary and dangerous coal mine to provide for his family. He is surprised to see a horse he befriended in the mine, also. They work together, and through gloomy times the young boy stays positive. It makes me appreciate what I have! – Amazon review
Pit Pony is a simple tale, brilliantly told, with a top-notch cast and director. – Amazon review
Starring Ben Rose-Davis, Richard Donat, Jennie Raymond, Andrew Keilty, Ellen Page.
Note: This movie inspired a 1999 television series of the same name, listed here separately. Viewers suggest the movie is suitable for children 8 years and older, who can deal with some harsh themes (death, child labor).