Most relevant male pony

We all know that this show has an obviously large female cast, but out of the few male ponies there are, who is the most relevant to the storyline as a whole?
 
Just to be clear, ponies only. So no Spike, Thorax, or Discord, e.g. Its not like these characters are not important by any stretch, its just they get so much limelight that they overshadow other equally important characters.
 
So I like to hear your thoughts about this.

Sunburst, and even then he’s only relevant when Starlight is involved somehow.

@Magic Nova  

Honestly? I would actually have to say it’s this guy.  
 
I’ll admit I don’t know if Shining Armor has had the most appearances on the show (as far as recurring male pony cast members are concerned), but he has had significance to the overall story. Twilight’s concern for him (and her unhappiness over finding out second hand about his wedding) directly lead to her discovering Queen Chrysalis’s secret plan, who to him helping defeat her. His throwing skills helped save the crystal heart from Sombra, a joint victory which put Twilight on the path to becoming a princess. His daughter is one of the first naturally born alicorns in Equestrian history (and possibly one of the first since Celestia and Luna). And while he’s not always been the most effective of characters, he is usually present during fairly significant events and has played a more than average role in them.
 
So yes, I would say that Shining Armor is, for the moment, one of the most storyline relevant.

Would have to be between Big Mac, Shining and Sunburst.

Most significant? Probably none. All the male pony characters we’ve seen so far are just satellite ancillary characters. Stallions play a major role if their “mare” is relevant. Shining Armor will never appear if Twilight isn’t involved. Sunburst would never appear in a story if Starlight wasn’t involved. Big Mac would not play a center set piece role in a story unless one of his sisters are helping him out in some way.

@hironakamura  
Mac did in Dungeons and Discords though. That entire ep as an all-dude adventure :D

I wonder if Sunburst will make an appearance in Shadow Play. Some people think so because if the finale ties in with the LoM comics, Sunburst is the only one reading up on the Legends. He might be the only one that knows the identity of the villain or how to stop it.