The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust has announced the launch of its annual Summer Art and Photography Competitions, offering a unique opportunity for artists and photographers to have their work featured in the Trust’s 2024 Christmas cards or the special 40th anniversary 2025 calendar. The competition is now open for entries, with the deadline set for midnight on Wednesday 31st July 2024.
The winning entries will be revealed at a prize-giving ceremony during the Trust’s Open Day on Sunday 8th September. Visitors to the event will also have the chance to purchase the winning Christmas cards and calendar, making this a significant occasion for both the Trust and the participants.
The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, is looking for 12 captivating photographs for its anniversary calendar. The theme centres on the beauty of Wales and the creatures that call it home, offering plenty of scope for creativity. Whether it’s a breathtaking Welsh landscape, wildlife, or scenes of animals – equine or otherwise – the Trust is encouraging photographers to submit images that would look beautiful hanging on a wall.
For the 2024 Christmas cards, the Trust is seeking two pieces of artwork that embody the festive season with a focus on horses. From traditional Christmas scenes like the nativity to snow-covered landscapes, artists are invited to interpret the theme in a way that reflects both the season and the equine world.
The competition has drawn an impressive panel of judges. The photography contest will be overseen by Lluest’s own photographer, Rhian Mai Hubbart, alongside award-winning photographer Joann Randles. Meanwhile, local Welsh artists Lizzie Spikes, known for her work with Driftwood Designs, and Sammi Wilson of Corris Craft Centre will judge the artwork submissions.
Chair of the Trustees, Jenni Nellist, expressed her excitement for the competition. “We can’t wait to see the wonderful images submitted by the talented artists and photographers. By taking part, entrants will also be supporting the vital work of the Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming some of the most vulnerable horses and ponies in Wales. Diolch yn fawr!”
Nellist went on to explain that the competition is an important part of the Trust’s fundraising efforts. Proceeds from the sale of the Christmas cards and calendars will go directly towards supporting the charity’s mission of helping equines in need.
The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust, founded in 1985 by Ginny Hajdukiewicz, was born out of concern for the treatment of wild hill ponies and foals in local sales. Today, the Trust, based at Beili Bedw Farm in Llanddeusant, Carmarthenshire, remains dedicated to providing a safe haven for Welsh equines. With a small team of welfare assistants and volunteers, the charity continues to make a significant difference in the lives of rescued horses and ponies.
For more information, visit the Trust’s website: https://www.lluesthorseandponytrust.co.uk/
