Ponies found running loose on road await new homes
FOUR pony stallions that were running loose on a busy road have been given a safe haven until new homes can be found.
All of them have been given names from classic JRR Tolkien book The Lord of the Rings, in honour of their journey to Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, which is nestled in the Carmarthenshire village of Llanddeusant in the Brecon Beacons.
The quartet have been named Frodo, Baggins, Gandalf and Samwise.
The charity’s latest additions were brought to safety after running loose on and next to the busy A48 between Pyle and Margam, posing a danger to themselves and drivers.
Recognising the peril the ponies faced and the potential danger they posed, the county council intervened and put a stop to their adventures.
Despite exhaustive efforts to locate their owner, nobody stepped forward to claim them. All four were found to be male and none were microchipped, even though this is a legal requirement.
So, with nowhere else to go, these four adventurers headed to Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, where they will eventually be integrated in the trust’s existing herds while loving homes are found for them.
Founded in 1985, the trust has rescued over 400 ponies over the past four decades. The 40-acre farm has provided a place of sanctuary for horses and ponies who have been neglected, abandoned or abused.
Lluest’s operations manager Dionne Schuurman said: “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.”
She added: “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.”
Their care does cost money and it is estimated the initial bill will be in the region of £8,000, so the trust is asking people to consider donating towards their upkeep.