Brad Pitt buys ponies for children

Los Angeles - Brad Pitt has splashed out on six Shetland ponies for his kids.

The 47-year-old actor - who raises kids with partner Angelina Jolie - surprised his brood with the miniature horses, which are now grazing on the family's Chateau Miraval estate in the South of France.

With Pitt also buying Angelina a horse, the Jolie-Pitt clan are said to be keen to start pony-trekking together in the French countryside.

An insider explained: "Brad ummed and ahhed about it for a while but decided to go for it.

"He wasn't sure whether they'd find the time as training the children will take a lot of manhours but thinks it will be worth it in the long run. He thinks it's best for them to learn how to ride while they're young."

More treats

However, it's not just new pets Brad has treated the kids to, as he has also installed a plush new swimming pool - complete with slides - among the family's acres of land on their French estate.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "Their place is huge. They have loads of fields all around the property. Their driveway is three miles long and lined with impressive fountains. They've got a new pool with slides as well now."