Cuddy

nounShop talkMining

A traditional nickname for a pit pony working underground.

A historic slang term for a pit pony or small horse used to haul tubs of coal along underground tramways. Before mechanization, cuddies were essential for moving heavy loads between the coal face and the main haulage shafts.

Heard on the job

My grandfather started in the pits as a pony putter, leading a cuddy named Captain down the main gate.