Soldier who was injured in Afghanistan tells of pride in ‘pony major’ role

A Scots soldier who was injured in Afghanistan has told of his pride in his role as keeper of his regiment’s beloved mascot, the well-known Shetland pony Cruachan.

Ahead of a busy year of public ceremonial engagements, Corporal Rory Stewart said Cruachan cheers the hearts of troops in the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Often when the Scottish regiment takes part in ceremonial events, Cruachan is seen alongside the soldiers on parade.

There has been a Cruachan associated with Scottish regiments for decades – the incumbent is the fourth pony to bear the title.

Cpl Cruachan IV is believed to have met the late Queen Elizabeth II more times than any soldier in the British Army.

His keeper Cpl Stewart’s career has led him to the role of “pony major” in the regiment, looking after Cruachan and presenting him alongside Balaclava Company on ceremonial occasions.

The 33-year-old soldier, who is based in Edinburgh and is originally from Alyth in Perthshire, was badly injured while deployed in Helmand province in Afghanistan in 2010.

He was shot in the head by a Taliban sniper, the bullet hitting him in the chin, fracturing his spine and ending up lodged in his shoulder.

He told the Press Association he remembers the day clearly, thinking “this is it” as his comrades evacuated him.

Despite the severity of his injuries he continued his army career and later served in his company’s heavy weapons platoon.

However, there are few roles in the military quite like the pony major.

He said: “I think it’s an important thing, obviously the lineage of Cruachan dates back to 1929. We’ve carried it on since then.”

Cruachan lifts the morale of those around him, Cpl Stewart said, and soldiers based at the pony’s barracks will often come over to say hello and give him treats.

Cpl Stewart said there is “absolutely” a sense of pride around the mascot tradition.

He added: “There are not many jobs like this, there’s only a few of us mascot handlers. Being with Cruachan puts us in the limelight.

“I’ve just got to make sure we’re both presentable.”

Cruachan and his stablemate Nightcap, who are usually based at Redford Barracks, spent Christmas at a breeders near Aberdeen.

Cpl Stewart said: “I’m not looking to move on any time soon, I enjoy this job a lot.”

Both Cpl Stewart and Cruachan recently featured in the BBC series The Troops, which gave a behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Regiment of Scotland.