Author Anwen Francis

Star pony, Siani the Shetland is galloping to success after the fifth novel in the popular children's series, Siani Ar Garlam was published.

Since the series started in 2004, author Anwen Francis from Newcastle Emlyn, hasn't looked back and Siani the Shetland has become a household name.

The little black Shetland has appeared on all major Welsh language programmes, including Y Sioe, which featured Siani competing at the Royal Welsh Show. Siani also appeared on Wedi 7 from Pembrokeshire County Show.

Author Anwen said: "I'm thrilled. Siani is really famous now and everywhere we go, children come over to greet the pony and Siani adores the attention too, especially when they bring her polo mints or a carrot! I often feel, with Siani at my side, that I'm like the pied piper character with the following of excited children.

"The pony is original and fresh and her stories have an international appeal. The CDs are very popular and we've had to restock the merchandise. The next plan is to introduce Siani T-shirts to the collection and I have a list of enthusiastic children waiting for them to arrive. The whole Siani idea has taken off in trots and gallops."

Siani the Shetland visited more than 15 schools during the summer term, and in total they have visited more than 80 schools as well as summer fetes and carnivals.

Anwen added: "If I'm not working, I'm showing horses and if I'm not showing or socialising I'm writing, but I thoroughly enjoy it. I also enjoy the marketing side of the publishing, and who knows who could be the next big star to launch this novel when we have a Siani Party in September."

Her husband Rhys and their daughter Soffia also enjoy the equestrian side of life, and on their smallholding near Newcastle Emlyn, the family breeds and shows a variety of horses and ponies. But Siani the Shetland is definitely the favourite.

"The English translation has now been completed and 2008 will see its publication," said Anwen. "It's going to be an exciting year."

Anwen is currently working on the sixth novel, to be published by Gomer Press next year.

Anwen added: "The next novel is again full of energy and thrills with that all-important educational and welfare theme throughout.

"However, it has an international appeal, as Siani the Shetland and her owner Beca visit one of the largest Welsh Cob studs in Wales.

"Siani might also visit a point-to-point meet in Pembrokeshire, and although she's a little on the small side to be taking part in one of the races, and even though she likes to jump, facing her with one of the point-to-point fences might be asking a bit too much of her."

Siani Ar Garlam, published by Gomer Press is available now, priced £4.99.

2:07pm Wednesday 10th October 2007

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