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A Shetland pony who was a personal favourite of the Queen has been given a top honour in recognition of his long career “brightening the lives of so many people”.

Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson with Cruachan III, a Shetland pony who has been given a top honour in recognition of his long career "brightening the lives of so many people".

Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson with Cruachan III, a Shetland pony who has been given a top honour in recognition of his long career “brightening the lives of so many people”. Image by Mark Owens/MoD/Crown copyright/PA Wire

Cruachan III is a former mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who retired in 2012, aged 23, after nearly two decades of military service. For almost 17 years he took part in numerous military parades and Highland games, and became a much-loved addition to the cast of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The pony was awarded the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Tarragon Trophy – their “equine personality of the year” gong. The award, presented at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh, is given to horses or ponies that have contributed to the community, overcome hardship or are 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.”

Originally the mascot of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Cruachan III was adopted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland on its formation in 2006. The pony was a personal favourite of the Queen and attended Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire each year when she visited Scotland. He now spends his retirement in Redford Barracks with his companion and successor Cruachan IV.

Pony Major Corporal Mark Wilkinson, who is responsible for the care of Cruachan III, said: “Like most old Scottish soldiers, he loves to hear the sound of the pipes which takes him back to being on parade. As a veteran he still attends Armed Forces Day and helps service and civilian charities when he can. He’s always very popular with young and old alike.”

(Press Association)