Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder

Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed have adopted a horse together.

The 'Vampire Diaries' actor, who recently started dating the 'Twilight Saga' beauty after being friends for many years, shared a photograph of himself cosying up to their "big baby boy," Eagle, in a barn on Instagram on Tuesday (05.08.14).

The 35-year-old star also wrote: "Proud new dad. What amazing creatures they are. Wow. His name is Eagle. Thank you @iamnikkireed for snapping this special moment, with our big baby boy."

A source recently revealed that Ian and the 26-year-old actress are "smitten with each other."

The pair first sparked rumours they are dating after they were spotted at a farmer's market in Los Angeles last month, where Ian held a protective arm around Nikki, who separated from estranged husband Paul McDonald in March.

The couple previously went on double dates when they were with their former partners, and Nikki is said to still be good friends with Ian's ex-girlfriend, Nina Dobrev.

Ian and Nina split in May 2013 after three years of dating and earlier this year, she insisted: "I have an enormous amount of respect and love for [Ian] and everyone. That doesn't change, it shouldn't, otherwise why were you with them?"