Hope in Time for Christmas: An Unwanted Colt’s New Beginning
This festive season, Lluest Horse and Pony Trust is proud to share the rescue story of Lluest William Turner, a young unwanted colt who has been given a second chance at life thanks to the dedication and teamwork of those determined to make a difference.
In October, two-year-old William was discovered wandering dangerously along a busy road in South Wales, near to where four stallions were also rescued earlier this year. Thanks to the quick thinking of kind-hearted locals, he was safely guided away from harm, and an abandonment notice was posted. Despite efforts to find his owner, no one came forward, leaving his future uncertain.
William’s rescue was made possible through a successful collaboration. The British Horse Society (BHS) generously funded his castration, while Lluest Horse and Pony Trust covered his strangles blood test, microchipping, passport application, and ongoing veterinary and care costs. These essential procedures were carried out in late November at his foster home, where his foster Guardian has provided the care and stability William desperately needed. Without the foster home’s dedication and the support of the BHS, Lluest would not have been able to step in and help.
Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, which relies on donations and limited grants, continues to face rising costs while striving to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome equines in need. As the eighth unwanted colt or stallion taken in by Lluest this year, William’s story highlights the increasing demand for the Trust’s work and the enduring challenges caused by issues like overbreeding. This was a concern raised by the charity’s late founder, Ginny Hajduckiwicz, back in the 1980s. Ginny, a passionate horsewoman, founded Lluest in 1985 after witnessing the appalling treatment of ponies at sales and realising there were no equine welfare charities in Wales to support.
In May 2025, Lluest will celebrate its 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects decades of dedication to equine welfare in Wales. Yet, William’s journey serves as a poignant reminder that the charity’s work is as vital now as it was when Ginny first founded it.
This Christmas, William will spend time at the Lluest farm while his foster Guardian takes a well-earned break. In the New Year, he will return to his short-term foster home, where he will be joined by new companions from the Trust. Meanwhile, Lluest has several sweet-natured rescued ponies ready to find their own happy-ever-after in loving, long-term Guardian loan homes.
Stories like William’s inspire the Trust to keep going. With additional support, they can continue their vital work, giving equines in desperate situations the loving and safe environment they deserve.
If you can help towards William’s care please donate here.