The Lluest Horse & Pony Trust

21/01/2025

Silas likes to call this his 'Meals on Wheels' delivery service—hay there, who's hungry? 🤪

21/01/2025

📢🤩It's our 40th anniversary year and our founders story is available to purchase - Ginny's Story of the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust 🌟

Ginny Hajdukiewicz was not the stereotypical girl whose enthusiasm for horses waned after a few years. At twenty-three she had achieved her ambition to have her own riding centre, and in 1982 she moved to Wales with her 'misfit' horses and set up a trekking centre.

Always deeply concerned regarding the welfare of horses and ponies, and distraught at the treatment of the 'wild' ponies that were sold at market, in 1985 she formed The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust.

Ginny often wrote about her life and work - sometimes on scraps of paper. Her lively accounts collected here feature not only her horses and ponies, but also her beloved dogs, cats, chickens and even Herbie the crow. And, of course, they include many of the people she met over her short life, which she sadly lost to cancer when she was only thirty-eight.

Ginny would be proud that the Trust continues its work, rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys. The proceeds from this book will go to the Trust, as she would have wished.

https://www.feedaread.com/books/Ginnys-Story-of-the-Lluest-Horse-and-Pony-Trust-9781803029870.aspx

20/01/2025

🌧️ Blue Monday - a day many associate with feeling low or overwhelmed. But did you know that spending time with horses can help lift your spirits? 🐴💙

At Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, we’ve seen first hand how interacting with horses can be a form of therapy, providing comfort and emotional support. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals, offering a calm presence that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.

In addition to the healing power of horses, volunteering with us can also have a transformative effect on your well-being. Whether you’re grooming, poo picking the fields or filling haynets the positive impact of working outside and with animals is undeniable. Volunteering allows you to connect with nature, build a sense of purpose, and feel the satisfaction of making a real difference in the lives of horses and ponies in need.

💖 Want to make a difference? Join us and become a Lluest Angel! Your time and support can have a lasting impact, both for you and the animals coming into our care.

19/01/2025

📸 Before & After: Farmhouse Roof Repairs Complete! 🏡✨

We’re thrilled to share these before and after photos of our farmhouse roof ridge tiles repaired and gutters cleaned.

A HUGE thank you to local Lluest hero Stuart Davies who kindly volunteered his time yesterday to fix the damage caused by the December storm. 🙌💪🦸🏻‍♂️

For those who don’t know, this farmhouse isn’t just any house – it’s owned by the charity, houses our amazing live-in staff, and serves as our office space. The storm damage and other maintenance needs have been weighing on us as we gathered quotes for the work. Stuart’s generosity has helped lighten that load more than we can say! 💖

Thank you, Stuart, for showing us the power of community and lending your vital skills to help us move forward.

18/01/2025

🌟 A Big Thank You to Fairfax Saddles! 🌟

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Fairfax Saddles for their incredibly generous donation of £1,000. Your support comes at a crucial time for us, as we try to raise money for Horlicks' vet bill, cover our ever-increasing running costs, and raise £2,500 to replace the field shelter that was damaged in the recent storms.

The shelter provided vital protection in all weathers for ponies like orphan foal Jack (pictured here with his foster mum in the summer before the damage!) 🐴💕

Your kindness helps us rebuild and ensures the safety and comfort of the ponies in our care, both now and in the future.

Take a look at the before and after shots of the shelter, and join us in celebrating this wonderful partnership. Your support makes all the difference! 💖

16/01/2025

💥 Amazing progress, all thanks to YOU!

Last week, your votes moved us from #127 to #67 in the running for a grant from My Giving Circle! With 425 votes, we're closer to the top 10, but we still need your help to secure a spot. Only the top 10 charities will receive funding! The leading UK charity has a whopping 9,071 votes!!

🗓️ Voting closes on 31st March, and you can vote once a week. If everyone keeps up the incredible momentum, we can do this together. Let’s make it happen!

👉 Vote here: https://mygivingcircle.org/lluest-horse-and-pony-trust

Your weekly votes are making a real difference for the horses, ponies, and donkeys in our care. Thank you for being Lluest Heroes! 🐴❤️

16/01/2025

☎️‼️ We are really sorry that frustratingly we are still without our office phone line after the storm Darragh. BT Business have had shocking customer service and have failed to divert our line as asked (although they should have offered at the start). The expected date to be fixed has changed 4 times and we are now expecting 21st January.

We are aware that it still rings as normal the callers end and appears to go unanswered. We have no tones on our end and can only apologise that we are unable to take calls. Please email or send us a message on social media.

☎️‼️ We are really sorry that frustratingly we are still without our office phone line after the storm (Blame BT). Its been brought to our attention that it still rings and goes unanswered, we have no tones on our end and can only apologise that we are unable to take calls. BBT Businesshave said it should be fixed by tomorrow.

16/01/2025

Horlicks Update 🐴💙

Horlicks is healing well, but he still requires twice-weekly vet visits to change his bandage under sedation. This week, he made a big step forward by having all four feet trimmed by the farrier! 🎉

He’s been coping well with box rest, with plenty of companions nearby to keep him company. Maggie (pictured looking grumpy) wasn’t too impressed by him, but Diplomat was a sweetheart, leaning over to interact with him.

📸 The photo of his wound is from last week after the bandage was removed and before cleaning. Proud flesh has started to develop, so we’re applying cream to help reduce it.

A huge thank-you to everyone who donated towards his initial treatment—it’s hugely appreciated! As his weekly vet bills continue to build, we would truly appreciate any additional support to help with his ongoing care. Every little bit helps us give Horlicks the best possible chance at recovery. 💕

14/01/2025

Who wouldn’t want a morning kiss from Diplomat 🥰

It’s farrier day today so it’s a busy one!

12/01/2025

It was another busy day on Friday. 😅 We filled hay nets with the last of our hay (which will last less that 24hrs) and cleaned out all the loose hay from our hay lean to (built by a volunteer a few years ago) ready for a new hay delivery. With the cold weather we go through one of these large square bales every 2 days, costing £165 a week.

If anyone would like to donate the cost of a small bale of hay the link is here -

http://www.lluesthorseandponytrust.co.uk/shop/buy-the-rescues-a-bale-of-hay/

10/01/2025

🌟 Huge Thanks to Paul Davis 🌟

A heartfelt thank you to Paul Davis for his generous donation of two electric fence energisers and batteries! These vital tools will help us create track systems and manage grazing, ensuring our ponies have safe and well-managed spaces.

They’re essential all year round but will be used every day throughout spring and summer to restrict and manage grazing effectively. Support like this helps us provide the best possible care for our ponies. Thank you, Paul, for being a true Lluest Hero! 💛🐴

09/01/2025

❄️ Frosty Morning ❄️

Samwise, Connie, Diplomat, and Cally, all lined up along their frosty paddock fence, enjoying their hay this chilly morning. Each of them has their own story:
🐴 Samwise, Connie, and Diplomat were each rescued from abandonment and neglect, and have been thriving, safely under our care.
🐴 Cally was lovingly signed over to us last year when her owner and guardian of another Lluest pony faced a change in circumstances, she had a failed guardian home and returned to the safety of the Trust.

This freezing, frosty weather reminds us how vital your support is. Every hay net, warm rug, and safe space we provide is made possible because of your generosity. Thank you for helping us give these ponies and many others the fresh start and futures they deserve. 💛

Stay warm and hug your horses & ponies today! ❄️

08/01/2025

🌟 Help Lluest Win a Grant! 🌟

Lluest Horse and Pony Trust is currently #127 in the UK and Irish Grant category, but we need your votes to climb higher! This grant could make a huge difference to our ponies, especially during our 40th Anniversary year, when we need your support more than ever.

Voting is quick, easy, and free! Every vote helps us secure much-needed funding to continue our vital work rescuing and caring for neglected and abandoned ponies across Wales.

The grant closes on March 31, 2025, we have until then to be voted into the top 10, please don’t wait, vote today and share this post to spread the word!

Each year MyGivingCircle gives £1,000,000

08/01/2025

❄️ Winter Care for Horses & Ponies ❄️

As freezing temperatures arrive, it’s crucial to adapt care and plan ahead for field and stable kept ponies:

Field-Kept Ponies:
❄️ Ensure shelter from wind and rain (field shelters or natural windbreaks).
❄️ Provide plenty of hay for extra energy and warmth, especially with frosts and snow.
❄️ Break and remove ice from buckets and troughs regularly to ensure fresh water access.
❄️ Check for signs of illness twice a day to catch any potential issues early.
❄️ Prepare for freezing conditions by filling containers and buckets with water beforehand to prevent no access to water from frozen taps.
❄️ Rugging may be necessary for elderly, vulnerable ponies, clipped ponies, or non-native breeds like Thoroughbreds.
❄️Horses are herd animals, and their natural instinct is to huddle together for warmth. They can generate heat by standing close to each other, sharing body heat. This is particularly important in cold weather, as the warmth from their bodies helps keep each other comfortable. Keep ponies with friends to reduce stress and provide extra warmth. Horses and ponies will position themselves together to create a windbreak, protecting each other from the chill.

Stabled Ponies:
❄️ Keep stables ventilated but free from drafts.
❄️ Break and remove ice from water buckets regularly.
❄️ Prepare for frozen taps by filling containers with water in advance.
❄️ Ensure mould free bedding for warmth and comfort.
❄️ Turnout daily for exercise and access to friends—stabling limits natural movement, so ensure regular turnout to keep them active and social.
❄️ Rugging is essential for elderly, clipped, or non-native ponies to help retain warmth.

❄️ The Importance of Turnout ❄️
Turnout is essential for your pony’s health and happiness. It allows natural movement, promoting healthy circulation, digestion, and joint health while reducing stress. Ponies in herds feel more secure and socially engaged, helping to prevent boredom and stable vices like cribbing or weaving. In the wild, horses travel 10–20 miles a day, grazing and seeking water. Turnout lets domesticated horses mimic this instinctual behaviour, ensuring fresh air, natural light, and overall well-being. Unless advised otherwise by a vet, daily turnout is crucial for their physical and mental welfare.

Both need constant access to fresh water, ample hay, and don't forget regular health checks.

Post your own tips on how you survive winter with horses and ponies in the comments!

07/01/2025

🎉 Look who’s growing up! 🎉

Take a moment to watch this heartwarming video, capturing Jack Sparrow’s incredible journey from the day he was rescued to where he is now at 6 months old. 💖

From the fragile foal found in critical condition to the playful, spirited pony we see today, Jack has come a long way. Thanks to the care and support from our team and Lluest Heroes, he is now safe from neglect and ready to continue growing in a loving environment. 🐴

Once Jack has been gelded (his balls haven’t dropped yet), he will be ready to find his forever Guardian home, where he’ll live out his life in safety and love. 💕

We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported Jack along the way. With your help, he will have a future free from fear and full of happiness.

👉 Want to make a lasting impact? Sponsor Jack Sparrow or another pony today, and help us continue our life-saving work. https://www.lluesthorseandponytrust.co.uk/sponsorshipscheme/

02/01/2025

Lovely Crisp January morning with blue skies!

Another day to be grateful and thank more Lluest hero's -

⭐ Huge thanks to Christa Kaula for her donation of small hay bales! We use hay all year round for our laminitics and those on weight loss regimes, but this time of year we use a lot.
⭐ We are forever grateful to Carina Dougherty who has donated another pallet of bedding.

Thank you never seems enough to show just how grateful we are, these ponies are safe and well cared for thanks to each and every one of our supporters 🐴💚