Pit Pony (1997)

Against the stark backdrop of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, in the year 1901, we meet Willie MacLean, a ten-year-old boy who finds solace in the company of horses and the comfort of school amidst the grim realities of his family's life. Descended from a lineage of coal miners, Willie's elder brother, John, and their stoic yet kindhearted father, toil away in the dark underbelly of the local mine. A sudden twist of fate sees Willie's world crumble as a devastating mine accident incapacitates his father and claims the life of his elder brother. Faced with the prospect of supporting his elder sister, Nelle, and two younger sisters, Willie is thrust prematurely into the bleak world of his father and brother - the pit, known for its unforgiving loneliness. Willie's days in the treacherous coal mines at the dawn of the 20th century seem daunting until he discovers a friend in an unexpected form - a pit pony. This hardy creature, employed to haul coal from the cavernous tunnels to fuel the railway and steel mill, becomes Willie's beacon of hope and resilience. "Pit Pony" is a poignant tale of a young boy's struggle, friendship, and determination to weather life's storms in an era defined by grit and coal dust. As Willie forms a unique bond with the pit pony, each day in the mine becomes a testament to their shared spirit of survival, painting a compelling portrait of life in the coal mines of early 20th century Nova Scotia.

Pit Pony is a drama movie featuring Richard Donat.

Pit Pony is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel and it's also available on Starz, Starz Amazon Channel, Starz Apple TV Channel and Starz Roku Premium Channel.