Corporal (Cpl) Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony and beloved mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, is renowned for his cheeky antics at high-profile ceremonial events, even more-so when members of the Royal Family are present.
Her Late Majesty the Queen was met by an Honour Guard formed of soldiers from 5th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland as she made her formal arrival at the Balmoral Estate in Scotland.
Guard of Honour officially welcoming His Majesty The King to Balmoral.
Guard of Honour officially welcoming His Majesty The King to Balmoral.
Guard of Honour officially welcoming His Majesty The King to Balmoral.
Cpl Cruachan IV who took up his role in October 2012 is believed to have met the late Queen Elizabeth more times than anyone in the British Army, parading in every Royal Estate but one.
The well-groomed shiny coated pony has proudly paraded in local towns across Scotland (and even taken a ferry to Stornoway). He has been front and centre at Buckingham and St James’ Palaces, Balmoral, and Windsor Castles, hilariously tucking into Queen Elizabeth’s bouquet of flowers at Stirling Castle.
It can be nerve-racking being front and centre at ceremonial events, but Cruachan just seems to lap it up."
Although a tiny 10.3 hands, Cpl Cruachan IV stands, and clearly believes he is 6ft tall! His ego, pride and self-belief has only grown over the years with appearances in many magazines, including Hello and Vanity Fair.
Cpl Cruachan IV was notionally promoted to the rank of Corporal as an honorific distinction in recognition of his service to the Regiment since 2012. He is also entitled to wear the operational medals awarded to the Regiment during his tenure as mascot.
Cpl Cruachan is however regularly ‘put back in his box’ by Nightcap, his uncle and companion. Nightcap’s ‘no nonsense’ approach ensures his cheeky wee nephew is reminded of his place in the pecking order.
Shetland ponies require companionship, and this duty is bestowed upon Nightcap, who Cpl Cruachan spends most of his time with when not undertaking public engagements.
The two ponies spend most of their time in stables at Redford Barracks, where they are cared for by the Regiment’s Pony Major, Cpl Rory Stewart. Weather permitting, Cruachan and Nightcap can often be spotted on beach walks and enjoy a fresh patch of grass on their excursions.
There is never a dull moment. Each morning the ponies are woken early, groomed, and walked around camp or weather permitting will venture out further and then they are free to roam in their paddock."
When asked what a day in the life with Cruachan was like Cpl Rory Stewart said:
“There is never a dull moment. Each morning the ponies are woken early, groomed, and walked around camp or weather permitting will venture out further and then they are free to roam in their paddock.
Whilst they do that, I get the amazing job of mucking out their stalls in the stable, preparing bedding, hay, and feed for them coming back in the evening.
They have been known to have the odd argument, but Cruachan knows the score when Nightcap tells him off.”
Although cared for daily by Cpl Rory Stewart the ponies are also under care and have regular checks with the Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray.
Cpl Stewart added:
“It can be nerve-racking being front and centre at ceremonial events, but Cruachan just seems to lap it up – to him it’s nae bother.”
