His diminutive size might lead you to assume he is nothing more than a cutesy version of a regular horse.
However, what Shetland pony Cruachan IV lacks in height, he more than makes up for in personality – albeit a rather mischievous one.
Awarded with the honour of being the mascot for the Royal Regiment of Scotland, his involvement in high-profile events has seen him upstage the Royal Family and make headlines for his unpredictable ways.
His rap sheet to date includes munching the late Queen’s flowers, trying to nibble Prince Harry’s fingers and biting his boss.
Now, as he prepares for another season of ceremonial duties, photo shoots and functions, The Mail met his commanding officer – Pony Major, Corporal Rory Stewart – to get the low-down on Scotland’s trotting troublemaker.
For all his humorous flaws, Cruachan IV was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II who would visit him when he was at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, even sitting her great-grandchildren Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte on him for rides.
Proudly wearing the operational medals awarded to the regiment during his tenure as mascot, he leads it on parades and at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Recently promoted to the rank of Corporal for his services to the regiment, Cruachan IV holds the record of having met the late Queen more times than anyone in the British Army.
Shetland Pony Cruachan IV nibbled a posy held by Queen Elizabeth II at Stirling Castle in 2017.
Pony Major Rory Stewart with Corporal Cruachan IV at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
But the mascot was given a severe reprimand and had his carrot ration reduced for three days after taking a bite out of her bouquet at Stirling Castle in 2017.
Also, when Prince Harry visited Edinburgh Castle in 2018 with his then bride-to-be Meghan Markle, Cruachan IV was on hand to greet them.
However, with the world’s media looking on, the little pony returned Harry’s attention by trying to bite his hand, not once but twice.
One of Cruachan IV’s duties is to officially welcome King Charles, who is the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, to Balmoral Castle.
In his first summer there as monarch, while inspecting the Royal Guard, Charles gave the pony a pat on the nose without meeting any of his cheeky antics.
But the mascot hasn’t always been on his best behaviour in the presence of monarchs in Scotland.
In 2018, he relieved himself during the ceremonial Balmoral welcome, prompting the late Queen to discreetly turn away and cover her nose from the overpowering smell.
Cpl Stewart looks after Cruachan IV at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh, where he is stabled with Nightcap, another Shetland pony.
The pony had his carrot ration reduced after biting a posy of flowers held by the late Queen.
Cruachan IV took up his role in 2012 and Cpl Stewart has been his handler for the past two years.
While he loves his job, he admits his hairy charge can be a handful.
He said: ‘Shetland ponies have a bit of an attitude. Like all of us, he can be in a grumpy mood. The other day I was cleaning his eyes and he didn’t like it and bit me on the eyelid.’
Cruachan IV takes the lead at the Holding the Freedom parades when the regiment marches through a town that honours it for its courage in action, with colours flying, drums beating and pipers playing, and bayonets fixed.
He has also been at the front of parades at Buckingham and St James’s Palaces, and Balmoral and Windsor Castles.
‘It can be nerve-racking being front and centre at ceremonial events, but Cruachan just seems to lap it up – to him it’s no bother,’ said Cpl Stewart.
‘He’s used to being in the spotlight and loves the attention.’
Standing at just over ten hands high, Cruachan IV is unfazed when he meets the Household Cavalry Drum Horses – large Shires or Clydesdales – that are nearly twice his size and outrank the little Corporal.
One of Cruachan IV’s duties is to officially welcome King Charles to Balmoral Castle.
Holding the rank of Major, Drum Horses are the most senior animals in the Army.
‘When he is stabled with them in London, Cruachan thinks he’s the same size as them,’ added Cpl Stewart.
Asked if the pint-sized pony will be promoted again, he said: ‘Never – I have to tell him what to do so he can’t outrank me.’
Cruachan IV’s self-belief has only grown over the years with appearances in many magazines, including Hello! and Vanity Fair.
Despite his celebrity status, he’s kept in line by his companion and uncle, Nightcap, whose no-nonsense approach ensures his nephew is reminded of his place in the pecking order with a well-aimed kick or a nip.
‘They have been known to have the odd argument, but Cruachan knows the score when Nightcap tells him off,’ said Cpl Stewart.
The first Shetland pony mascot was presented to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, one of the historic antecedent regiments, in 1929 by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll.
The pony was named after Ben Cruachan, a mountain in the Argyll’s namesake lieutenancy, and the war cry of Clan Campbell, of whom the Duke of Argyll was chief.
When the original Cruachan retired, he was replaced with another Shetland who was named Cruachan II.
The tradition of having a black Shetland pony with a white star on its forehead continued when the regiments amalgamated in 2006.
The current pony took over following the retirement of Cruachan III, who is interred in Stirling Castle.
Cruachan IV is a huge hit with the public and a favourite with the regiment. ‘The soldiers make a point of saying hello to him whenever they go past,’ said Cpl Stewart.
‘Cruachan is great for morale and for upholding regimental tradition. He gets around Scotland not just on parades and military shows, but at school visits, Highland games and shows, and at Musselburgh Races.’
Cruachan IV can be seen in public next when he welcomes the Scotland and Wales national rugby union teams to Murrayfield on March 8 for the Six Nations clash.
‘He’ll be there to welcome the players with the pipe band as they come off the coach outside the stadium,’ said Cpl Stewart.
But the Shetland pony won’t lead them onto the pristine pitch in case he does what all horses are prone to do.
‘Cruachan won’t mind,’ added Cpl Stewart. ‘He’ll have plenty of adoring fans wanting to pet him after the game.’
