Queen Elizabeth II talks to Pony Major Mark Wilkinson with regimental mascot Cruachan IV alongside Officer Commanding Major Johnny Thompson as she inspects Balaclava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates at Balmoral, as she takes up summer residence at the castle.
Cheeky military mascot Cruachan IV has had another memorable meeting with royalty.
The Shetland pony achieved international fame last year after a clip of him taking a swipe at The Queen’s bouquet went viral.
The pair met again on 6 August as Her Majesty was officially welcomed to Balmoral Castle with a royal guard provided by the Balaklava Company, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Cruachan IV.
Cruachan was on his best behaviour on this occasion, but the call of nature knows no appropriate timing and the pony relieved himself in front of the immaculate row of soldiers.
The Queen was spotted holding her nose against the fragrance of the fresh rose fertiliser deposited outside her summer abode as she turned away.
Cruachan later “tweeted” to say Pony Major Mark Wilkinson has told him to “carry on Cruachan but carrots have been rationed !!!”
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The cheeky Shetland also took a swipe at The Queen’s flowers when Her Majesty visited Stirling Castle last summer
The 9hh gelding took on the role as regimental mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2012 and has met many royals and VIPs during his service.
In February this year, he was introduced to Prince Harry and his then fiancée Meghan Markle, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
While the duke was chatting to the Shetland’s handler, the adorable equine spotted an opportunity for mischief and took a sneaky nibble of the prince’s fingers.
The duchess laughed as Harry gave the pony a scratch on the nose in return.
Cruachan’s busy year continued with a trip to London in April, where he visited the Household Cavalry and struck up a friendship with his neighbour in the capital, Adamas — a 17.1hh drum horse.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
