In a tale reminiscent of epic fantasy, the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust proudly introduces four noble stallions, each named after characters from the beloved saga, “The Lord of the Rings.”
Their journey to Lluest began amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy A48 between Pyle and Margam, where they had been running loose, lost and alone, for nearly two weeks; a danger to themselves and to the users of the road.
Recognising the peril they faced and the potential danger they posed, the local authority intervened and put a stop to their adventures. Following exhaustive efforts to locate their owner, nobody stepped forward to claim them. All four were found to be entire males and none were microchipped even though this is a legal requirement.
So, with nowhere else to go, these four adventurers headed to the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, where they will eventually be integrated in the Trust’s existing herds while loving Guardian homes are found for them.
And in honour of their adventures, they have all been given names from the Lord of the Rings: Frodo, Baggins, Gandalf, and Samwise.
One of the rescued ponies, Frodo, already had a head collar on and is friendly and happy to be caught, led, and groomed, whereas the two cobs, Gandalf and Samwise, are much more nervous and will follow the lead of their more confident friend. Gandalf, as you’d expect is a grey, and Samwise is a piebald and the most nervous of the rescued four. These two still cannot be touched as they are far too fearful, but they are gradually growing in confidence under the expert care of Lluest’s team. The Shetland, named Baggins, is a little less nervous and his confidence has improved quickly, making him easier to catch, lead and groom. With such differences between the four it is difficult to imagine where they came from. And as none were microchipped it is feared they were simply dumped at the side of the road.
Fortunately for them, they have ended up at their own Rivendell and will be resting while they are rehabilitated ready for the adventures ahead. These boys have been neglected for a while, and they need veterinary care, blood tests, worm counts and most likely a course of worming too, treatment for parasites, dental examinations and possible rasping, vaccinations, castration, and the help of a farrier to bring their feet back to full health. In addition, they will receive expert training and handling in preparation for finding their forever homes through Lluest’s Guardianship scheme.
“Baggins and Frodo have just completed their first dentals, microchips, tetanus vaccines and strangles blood tests in preparation for coming out of quarantine. They have already been wormed following their medium worm egg counts. These two boys took it all in their stride and were perfectly behaved. Our vet Lisa loved them. She thinks little Baggins is around five years old. However, Frodo’s teeth were a little puzzling but Lisa’s best guess, for now, is that he is around seven years old. We hope to be able to geld them in the next month.” said Lluest’s Operations Manager, Dionne Schuurman.
“We are allowing nervous Gandalf to settle in without asking too much of him, so he skipped this vet visit as was only caught for the first time yesterday. It was great to finally get hands on him and cut out some of his badly matted hair. As expected, his worries very quickly melted away and he thoroughly enjoyed his first groom and scratches. He is a very sweet young man and it’s so easy to fall in love with him.
“Samwise is even more suspicious and nervous of us, he will take longer to come around. He will eat from a bucket you are holding but will quickly pin his ears and move away if you try to place even just a finger on him. Who knows if he’s had a previous bad experience of humans leading to him being so defensive. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he realises he isn’t in any danger from us.” explained Dionne.
Unfortunately, their care does cost money. It is estimated the initial bill will be in the region of £8000, so the Trust is asking people to consider donating towards their upkeep. Lluest relies entirely on donations in order to continue its work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, ponies and donkeys that have been abandoned, neglected or the victims or poor circumstances.
Therefore, the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust has set up a Go Fund Me page, and are grateful for any donation, however small. https://gofund.me/86964acb
You can follow the story of these adventurous four on Lluest’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lluest
