A SCOTTISH horse has become an internet viral sensation with his cheeky antics, attracting more than 100 million views and amassing more than 500,000 followers on TikTok – even attracting the attention of music star Jason Derulo.
Twinkle is owned by 22-year-old Eirinn Reid, a content creator and equestrian from North Berwick who decided to share her horse's one-of-a-kind personality on the platform.
The 17-year-old Twinkle shot to stardom in 2020 when Eirinn posted a video of him doing a hilarious facial expression that went viral, garnering more than one million views.
@eirinnreid Well what a surprise twinkle stealing the show haha #fyp #equine #xyzbca #foryoupage ♬ original sound - Padge and Loo
Her videos often involve Twinkle taking part in viral trends on the platform before revealing his unique facial expression that has captured the attention of millions.
Since then, her TikTok account has only grown, reaching people around the globe through Twinkle's funny character and personality.
Speaking to the East Lothian Courier, Eirinn explained how amazed she was at the reaction to Twinkle's antics.
She said: "It's so overwhelming, for a horse to reach that many people worldwide! It's absolutely amazing."
@eirinnreid Vets got the good stuff 😳 #equine #equestrian #fyp #horse #tiktok #foryoupage #funny #horses #viral #twinkle ♬ IM ON PILLS FOR GODS SAKE - 🏴👑Official
Eirinn explained how she started the account just for some fun, but never expected him to go viral.
She added: "It was just a bit of fun really, it made me laugh and made other people laugh.
"It's unique, you don't really see horses doing that.
"To be honest, it made me laugh so I shared it and it took the world by storm. Everybody loved him, everybody was laughing."
Twinkle is based at Gilsland Farm on the edge of North Berwick, where Eirinn regularly films his cheeky moments, but she never quite thought the videos would take off the way they did.
She said: "I didn't expect it. I thought people would enjoy it, but I couldn't believe it.
"I deal with his craziness every day. For it to reach millions of people was just mind-blowing to be honest with you."
Twinkle's sudden stardom has also brought a range of new opportunities for Eirinn, including contact from A-list celebrities.
Eirinn explained: "We were actually contacted recently by Jason Derulo, who wanted to feature his [Twinkle's] video on his platform on YouTube.
"It's kind of surreal, you're mingling with the celebrities.
"It has given me a lot of other opportunities in the equestrian industry, teaming up with companies that support horses' health and wellbeing."
Going forward, Eirinn hopes that her TikTok account will continue to bring new opportunities for the pair and she hoped to get him out on the road more to see the fans.
She said: "I hope to take Twinkle out to more public venues, more agricultural shows so people can meet Twinkle in person – because I know there's a lot of people that just want to take that funny photo with him doing his face."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here