08/11/2025
What a lovely end to our driving year....
Ann Miller and Tommy, our trainee RDA Pony, took part in the BDS Show earlier this summer. Last night at the BDS AGM she was very happy to be presented with a Trophy for the Best 13hh and over exercise vehicle, and The Yasmine Norrie Cup for the Concours d'elegance Class.
Several of our Committee, coaches and volunteers attended the meal in the Kintore Golf Club and had a wonderful evening.
Guest speaker was Cpl Rory Stewart, Regiment Pony Major, from The Royal Regiment of Scotland to talk about his charge.
The tradition of a Regimental Shetland Pony Mascot originated in 1929, when Princess Louise who was Queen Victoria's daughter, donated a black shetland pony to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. That Shetland was called Cruachan.
Continuing the tradition and now several mascots down the line, Cruachan IV , just like his predecessors is jet black with a small white star under his forelock.
He lives at the Redford Barracks in Edinburgh and parades with his Regiment at formal events all over the country.
His uniform consists of a tartan rug embellished with gold trim. A beautiful belt, and he carries the same medals that have been attributed to the Regiment during his time as Mascot.
Cruachan IV has a close connection to the North East of Scotland, originating from the Clothie Shetland Stud that Elinor and her family now run. When not on duty Elinor and her team can be seen at shows with him during the year. So he very much has a civilian life as a normal pony part of the year.
Cruachan IV, just like all equines needs a pal and his uncle, Clothie Nightcap resides at the Barracks with him and travels the county too. Yet another pony from Elinor's Stud.
It was a lovely evening and everyone learnt a wee bit more about this cheeky shetland we mostly see on the TV for his Royal Duties.
