Christmas Comes Early For Erddig’s New Whinnying Duo!

Christmas has come early in Erddig – with two new arrivals joining the National Trust’s whinnying team.

Jim and John, the Stately Home’s new carriage horses, are settling into Erddig and getting to know their new neighbours – donkeys Tambo and Lofty, who were adopted earlier this year from the Donkey Sanctuary.

Jim is in his prime at seven year’s old, the equivalent of 21 in human years. John is a little older at 12, (36 in human years). Both are mixed breeds descending from Shires and Welsh Cobs.

Since arriving Jim has been lapping up the attention he’s received at Erddig and loves his grooming sessions with staff and volunteers, he also has a good nose for a mint!

We’re told John is a gentle giant, just like Erddig Shires Jerry and Claire. They’re both enjoying their new team mates, although Jerry is the boss.

Both horses were funded using the generous donations from the public, with over £9,000 raised in the Erddig Shires Retire fundraising campaign.

Earlier this year the National Trust property called upon visitors to help them in their search for two new horses to takeover popular carriage rides from retiring shires Jerry and Claire.

The retiring shires then went off on a Welsh road trip to visit other special places in Wales and gather donations for two new horses. In total the campaign raised thousands of pounds to support the purchase of two new members of the team.

Coachman Medina Dicks said: “I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve received. We started the year with two horses – Jerry and Claire – and now we have four horses and two donkeys! It has been my wish to see the stables brought to life again and that wish has come true.”

Medina added: “The horses aren’t quite sure what to make of our donkeys, they think they’re aliens from another planet, so for now we’ll keep them separate.”

During the winter season, Erddig’s four-legged team will offer their own unique welcome, taking turns in Erddig’s stables.

Jemma Stubbington, Visitor Experience Manager said: “Our new horses have settled in so quickly to the team, our donkeys took a little longer to adjust. I’ve been on several training sessions on the carriages with Medina already, we’re hoping that we can offer carriage rides to the public again next spring.”

Whilst the historic hall’s Christmas wishes have come true, people have been busy sharing their own Christmas wishes on Erddig’s wish tree in the stable yard.

Throughout December and January, Erddig’s Grade 1 listed garden is hosting an Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland trail which has seen international chainsaw artist Simon O’Rourke interpret the traditional Victorian story creating several new sculptures for visitors to enjoy.

Photos: National Trust/ Steve Rawlins