A "HORSE whisperer" from Crymych is attempting to use his powers to charm wild Welsh ponies which have never been tamed before.

The exploits of Barry Thomas are being shown for the first time on a TV documentary series on S4C.

Ffermio: Y Meistr, which starts on Monday, August 8, follows Barry as he practices his art — ending the third programme in the Carnedddau area of Snowdonia.

There have been wild ponies in that region going back to around 500BC, and it is believed they are too wild to tame. The Carneddau Pony Society is worried about their future as there is no financial incentive for farmers to breed these unique ponies.

Barry said: "There are only about 200 ponies left on the hills of Snowdonia, so we should do anything we can to save them."

Barry learnt his craft from the acknowledged maestro in this field, a man called Monty Roberts.

It is believed that Monty was the inspiration behind the hit Robert Redford film The Horse Whisperer.

Barry is the only Monty Roberts accredited instructor in Wales, and one of only 38 others across the world.

In the second programme of the series Barry will also try his hand at calming a Limousin bull owned by Dyfan James of Newcastle Emlyn.

Series producer, Lynn Thomas- Morgan, who spent weeks shadowing Barry, said: "He has an amazing skill.

"He accepted the challenge of the Carneddau ponies and the results are truly astonishing."