A Shetland pony who has “brightened the lives” of war veterans and sick children has been named the “equine personality of the year” by the British Horse Society (BHS).
Cruachan III, the former Royal Regiment of Scotland Mascot, was presented with the “Tarragon Trophy” by the BHS today (Wednesday, 16 December) at a special event held in Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
Photo caption:- Helene Mauchlen of the British Horse Society presents Cruachan III with the Trophy.
Shetland pony and former Royal Regiment of Scotland Mascot ‘Cruachan III’ was awarded the ‘Tarragon Trophy’ from The British Horse Society today at a special event held in Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
The ‘Tarragon Trophy’ is the British Horse Society ‘Equine Personality’ of the year award and is presented to horses or ponies that have contributed to the community, overcome hardship or deemed to have the personality worthy of the esteemed honour.
Helene Mauchlen from the British Horse Society, said:
“Every so often the BHS is privileged to meet an equine that has delivered untold benefit to humankind, and Cruachan is just that pony.
“In his long life he has brightened the lives of so many people, from casual acquaintances at events, veterans and sick children and on top of that he does his day job of representing, inspiring and motivating our army.
“He is a credit to all equines and an example of the untold good that horses and ponies provide. It is our pleasure and a privilege to present him with the Tarragon Trophy.”
Shetland pony, Cruachan III, retired in 2012 at the age of 23 after nearly two decades of military service. For almost 17 years he took part in numerous military parades, Highland games and became a much loved addition to the cast of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The endearing pony was also a personal favourite of Her Majesty The Queen and attended Balmoral Castle each year when she visited Scotland.
Colonel Alastair Campbell, Regimental Secretary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said:
“Cruachan III marched proudly with Scottish infantry soldiers on parade for 17 years, firstly with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and then The Royal Regiment of Scotland. So we are extremely pleased that the British Horse Society has recognised his service drawing attention to the contribution of Scottish soldiers
(Image credit: MARK OWENS/HQ Scotland)
The Tarragon Trophy is the BHS’s equine personality of the year award and is presented to horses or ponies that have contributed to the community, overcome hardship or deemed to have the personality worthy of the esteemed honour.
“Every so often the BHS is privileged to meet an equine that has delivered untold benefit to humankind, and Cruachan is just that pony,” said Helene Mauchlen of the BHS.
“In his long life he has brightened the lives of so many people, from casual acquaintances at events, veterans and sick children and on top of that he does his day job of representing, inspiring and motivating our army.
“He is a credit to all equines and an example of the untold good that horses and ponies provide. It is our pleasure and a privilege to present him with the Tarragon Trophy.”
Photo Caption:- Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson, who is responsible for the care, training and welfare of Cruachan III (right) is joined by Cruachan IV (left) at the ceremony in Edinburgh today.
Shetland pony and former Royal Regiment of Scotland Mascot ‘Cruachan III’ was awarded the ‘Tarragon Trophy’ from The British Horse Society today at a special event held in Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
The ‘Tarragon Trophy’ is the British Horse Society ‘Equine Personality’ of the year award and is presented to horses or ponies that have contributed to the community, overcome hardship or deemed to have the personality worthy of the esteemed honour.
Helene Mauchlen from the British Horse Society, said:
“Every so often the BHS is privileged to meet an equine that has delivered untold benefit to humankind, and Cruachan is just that pony.
“In his long life he has brightened the lives of so many people, from casual acquaintances at events, veterans and sick children and on top of that he does his day job of representing, inspiring and motivating our army.
“He is a credit to all equines and an example of the untold good that horses and ponies provide. It is our pleasure and a privilege to present him with the Tarragon Trophy.”
Shetland pony, Cruachan III, retired in 2012 at the age of 23 after nearly two decades of military service. For almost 17 years he took part in numerous military parades, Highland games and became a much loved addition to the cast of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The endearing pony was also a personal favourite of Her Majesty The Queen and attended Balmoral Castle each year when she visited Scotland.
Colonel Alastair Campbell, Regimental Secretary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said:
“Cruachan III marched proudly with Scottish infantry soldiers on parade for 17 years, firstly with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and then The Royal Regiment of Scotland. So we are extremely pleased that the British H
(Image credit: MARK OWENS/HQ Scotland)
Now, 23 years old, Cruachan spent nearly two decades in military service
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For almost 17 years he took part in numerous military parades as well as appearing at Highland games and even a member of the cast of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Colonel Alastair Campbell, regimental secretary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “Cruachan III marched proudly with Scottish infantry soldiers on parade for 17 years, firstly with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and then The Royal Regiment of Scotland. So we are extremely pleased that the BHS has recognised him.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.