After a year of supping free pints of Arkell's 3Bs real ale, 3-year old Sparky the beer-loving Shetland pony, has been set to work by landlords Sarah and Jason Reeves and Sarah's father, pub chef, John Baldwin.

Between them and Arkell's Brewery, which owns the pub, they've given Sparky his own brightly-painted trap and sent him off to promote the pub! "I reckons it's about time he 'paid' for his pint," says John.   "He's been to market a few times now in his little trap, and the traders and customers at Gloucester's Cattle Market are beginning to get used to him trotting in - and we always keep a pint of beer for him if he gets too hot.  

He certainly seems to enjoy all the attention he's getting." Sparky hit the headlines across the world last year when news broke of this ale-loving pony whose passion for pints was discovered by John Baldwin.   "He just walked into the bar one day and started drinking someone's leftover beer.   Then it happened again a few days later and we discovered his passion - but being a very discerning pony he only really likes Arkell's 3Bs.    

Arkell's Pubs on Pubs2000

Tavern Inn - Kemble
Globe Inn - Sandhurst

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www.swindonweb.com/arkells

You can lead a horse to water!

He won't drink water, doesn't like shandy - it's too fizzy, and even Cider, which we thought he'd love, doesn't cut the mustard like a pint of Arkell's real ale.   Occasionally he'll suffer a pint of lager!" Since entering the world stage, Sparky has featured on local, national and even international TV stations, including Korean TV which sent a camera crew thousands of miles especially to film him - he's even had his own mention in OK! Magazine. "It's been a full-time job being his agent," sighs Jon.   "Now it's pay-back time!" Sparky found himself at The Globe two year's ago after a neighbour bought him from a horse fair but couldn't find anywhere to keep him.

The Globe has a big field so John, Sarah and Jason her husband decided to give him a home. Arkell's are delighted that Sparky has been such a success for the pub, and independent veterinary advice says that real ale won't do him any harm - in moderation. Managing director at the brewery, James Arkell, said: "Sparky has very good taste.   When we heard he had his own cart we couldn't wait to paint it up for John, Sarah and Jason so Sparky can feel proud of his new role, as The Globe's official, roving ambassador!"