[otd] 18th May 2011 - Report of horse refused transport by rail

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From Science Museum Group

In the mid-20th Century the railways transported large numbers of horses, many of them to and from race meetings. Special vehicles were used, capable of being attached to express trains.

But then by 2011 - The Guardian on 18th May

A rail passenger in north Wales tried to board a train with his pony – but station staff said "neigh".

The man attempted to buy a ticket for himself and the animal for the 19.02pm service from Wrexham to Holyhead.

Despite being told that large animals were not allowed in the carriages, he put the pony into a lift and took it down to the platform.

It is not known why he wanted to transport the animal on the train.

More recently, perhaps horses (or at least small ponies) can travel by rail again ...

From Metro, 18/4/2019

The UK^▸ (United Kingdom)’s first guide horse has taken a ride on a busy train in preparation for his new job.

Two-year-old Digby joined commuters in Newcastle city ahead of his move to London, where he will help Helena Hird, 51, who is partially sighted and regularly rides the underground.

The miniature horse is in the middle of a two to three year training programme during which he is visiting restaurants, pubs and shops to get used to busy everyday life.