The Welsh Pony and Cob Society has presented Hollywood star Catherine Zeta Jones with a pony for her son, Dylan
Swansea-born movie star Catherine Zeta Jones has been given a Welsh Mountain Pony for her 20-month-old son, Dylan.
The pony was presented to the actress at a recent fund-raising event to build the first ever children’s hospital in Wales.
The 11.2hh dun pony called Highland Jinks is a sponsored gift from the Welsh Pony and Cob Society.
The society’s secretary, Evelyn Jones, said: “Catherine was overwhelmed and very touched. Her mother, who lives in the Swansea area, will look after it for now and in time it will go to live ona ranch in Bermuda.
“We’re hoping Dylan will be come a junior member of the society when he gets to about three or four and can start to ride.”
Jinks’s breeder Kathleen James, who has bred and successfully shown Welsh Mountain ponies for the past 30 years said: “Jinks has an excellent temperament and a very sweet nature, which is obviously important for any child learning to ride and handle a pony.
“He has taught lots of children to ride and knows his job inside and out. I am sure he will give Dylan an enormous amount of pleasure.”
Gifts of ponies from the society are usually reserved for members of the royal family, but an exception was made for the Hollywood star.
“Ms Jones’sobvious desire to educate her son about his Welsh heritage and ensure he doesn’t lose touch with his roots made the decision to give Dylan the pony an obvious one,” said Evelyn Jones.
Catherine Zeta Jones was also presented with a hand-made saddle for the pony, donated by auctioneers Evans Bros and a hand-stitched bridle from Mr and Mrs Graham Butt of Llwynon Saddlery.
Read more about Welsh ponies:
- Introducing the Welsh Mountain Pony
- Welsh pony tastes movie stardom
- Welsh centenary celebrated at HOYS
