‘Ginny’s Story’ – book launched to coincide with 40th anniversary of the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust
‘Ginny’s Story of the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust’ by Ginny Hajdukiewicz and edited by Barbara Metcalfe and Stella Gratrix, tells the story of the Ginny’s tragically short life and how, and why, she created the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust – which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Ginny Hajdukiewicz, despite her young age, was a trailblazer. At just 23 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.
Many local people still remember the Lluest Trekking Centre with fond memories of pony rides into the Cambrian Mountains.
Always deeply concerned about 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.
Originally the Trust was based at Llanddeusant near Aberystwyth, before moving in November 1986 to its present home at Beili Bedw Farm in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire.
Over the last 40 years the Trust has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed nearly 500 equines, and is always ready to step in when a horse or pony needs help. It is funded entirely on donations, with a very small team of dedicated staff and some wonderful volunteers.
Ginny often wrote about her life and work – sometimes on scraps of paper. Her lively accounts collected in the book 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.
Sadly, Ginny lost her battle with cancer at the age of just thirty-eight.
Have the box of tissues at the ready and prepare to both laugh and cry as you read. Ginny would be proud that the Trust continues its work, rescuing and rehabilitating horses, ponies and donkeys, and celebrating its 40th year in 2025.
Ginny’s writings have been collected and edited, with an introduction and additional material, by Barbara Metcalfe and Stella Gratrix. The book also features photos from Ginny and the families who joined her on hacks, or took riding lessons, or volunteered at the Trust.
‘Ginny had a way of attracting people to her and pulling them along with her passion and enthusiasm. As a young Mum, I loved hanging out with her and the horses, mucking out, taking her to collect feed etc., listening to her tales and sharing her hopes and dreams. She was a force of nature, and I still miss and think about her often.” said Barbara Metcalfe, co-editor of the book.
To buy your copy of ‘Ginny’s Story of the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust’ visit: https://www.feedaread.com/books/Ginnys-Story-of-the-Lluest-Horse-and-Pony-Trust-9781803029870.aspx The book is also available via Amazon.
All the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust to help continue its vital work – just as Ginny would have wished.
ABOUT THE LLUEST HORSE AND PONY TRUST
The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust was set up by Ginny Hajdukiewicz in 1985. Ginny was so distressed by the appalling condition and handling of wild hill ponies and foals in local sales, that she decided to create a charity for Welsh equines to offer them a refuge and safe haven.
Located at Beili Bedw Farm, Llanddeusant, Llangadog, in Carmarthenshire (SA19 9TG), the Trust employs three fulltime and two part time grooms, and welcomes volunteers throughout the year, as well as running dedicated days for people with special needs. The Trust is funded entirely by donations and is forever grateful to those people who choose to donate some of their money and/or time to help look after equines in need.
Web: https://www.lluesthorseandponytrust.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lluest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lluesttrust/
‘GINNY’S STORY OF THE LLUEST HORSE AND PONY TRUST’
ISBN: 9781803029870
Type: Paperback
Pages: 256
