A worldwide internet phenomenon, the moonwalking Shetland pony has become embroiled in a paternity dispute.
This isn’t the first instance of a celebrity stallion leaving his partner in search of a more glamorous companion.
It’s also not uncommon for a fleeting romantic encounter with an appealing mare to lead to a paternity test many months down the line to ascertain whether the superstar is indeed the father.
In this case, however, the TV personality, rumored to possess “a keen interest in the ladies,” appears quite unfazed by the prospect of DNA test results confirming his paternity.
Socks, the five-year-old pony, juggles his fame as the moonwalking Shetland with his responsibilities as a stud on a breeding farm.
He rose to fame after starring in a mobile phone advertisement where he showcased his dancing skills to Fleetwood Mac’s song Everywhere, and he is now embracing his celebrity status with behavior that would leave some of his more amorous counterparts blushing.
Initially, Socks was assigned to three mares in a field adjacent to a loch, yet he became enamored with another filly named Kimberley, who was located on the opposite side, prompting him to swim over for a visit.
Last month, Kimberley gave birth to a black colt named Scamp, and hair samples have been dispatched to a DNA lab to confirm whether Socks is the biological father.
Mari Williamson, the owner of the ponies and operator of the Benston stud farm in Shetland, acknowledged that Socks is eager to leverage his celebrity status when it comes to romance.
“He undoubtedly has a keen interest in the ladies. He requires no encouragement. However, there’s currently a bit of a paternity dispute regarding him,” she mentioned.
“I placed him with three ladies in a field near the loch. Unfortunately, he fancied one of my other mares, who was alongside my other stallion, Nuggett.”
“He simply preferred her and imagined that the grass is greener on the other side.”
She went on to say, “The cost of the DNA testing is quite high, but maintaining the bloodline is crucial.”
Socks first gained fame through a 60-second commercial for the mobile company Three, where he captivatingly “moonwalked” on a cliff to charm fellow ponies before attempting to keep his dance moves hidden from a nearby farmer.
Since its airing in early March, the advertisement has amassed over 5.3 million views on YouTube.
Additionally, Socks boasts a Facebook page with 1,000 followers but is reported to have remained humble throughout his rise to fame.
Mrs. Williamson, 42, stated, “He has handled everything gracefully and keeps his four hooves on the ground. His favorite treats are carrots and apples, so he has enjoyed a few as a reward.”
If it turns out that Socks is indeed Scamp’s father, the young colt is expected to command a higher price.
The dancing pony previously sired a filly named Quartz two years ago, but another foal he fathered sadly died shortly after birth last month.
Nonetheless, Mrs. Williamson remains optimistic about Socks’ future as a stud.
She expressed, “There will surely be many little Socks running around. He is an exceptional pony. I could not be prouder of him.”
“No amount of money would ever persuade me to part with him. He holds a special place in my heart.”
