Published in March 2008 Australian Longwall Magazine
In 1975 White Industries took over Ulan from its original private owner. While four other horses were replaced by machines, Mary was allowed to stay.
During her years at the pit her owner did try mating her with potential suitors, “but probably after working around men most of her life she was not interested in boyfriends!”
She retired in 1977. Her last visit to the pit was for a photo shoot, and on its completion witnesses say she did not want to leave.
In memory of Mary, Ulan’s miners have named their latest workhorse – a miner bolter – as her namesake.
Ode to Mary
Mary was our first girl to work the underground,
She worked the pits for ten years,
And better could not be found.
She pulled the skips, 100 tons a day!
She could pull six skips a haul, and never have a sway.
When all the other horses in the pit were given the hurl,
Mary was kept on as she was such A Good Old Girl!
Mary retired in Seventy Seven,
And when brought back for photos, she thought she was in heaven.
Mary stood her ground, there was no way she would leave,
So poor old Ron had to give her one almighty heave.
At twenty nine and still full of fire,
There was no way she was ready to retire.
Mary roamed the paddock,
Near the Ulan gates,
For every morning she would wave,
To her beloved mates.
Last October Ninety,
Mary did depart,
Her memory will linger,
In each and every heart.
