Kynren – An Epic Tale of England is shining a light on its dedicated apprentice to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
17-year-old Izzy is a groom apprentice at the multi-award-winning live action outdoor theatre spectacular and has joined the dedicated Cavalry team as they work all year round to train and care for the various breeds of majestic horses in the show.
Not only does learning at Kynren involve practical and theory-based training in all aspects of horse care, but it also involves riding training as well as performing and riding the horses in the world-class show itself in front of audiences of up to 8,000 people.
Izzy said of her apprenticeship: “I’ve stumbled across such a unique opportunity here at Kynren doing something that I love. Looking after horses has turned into riding in a world-class show – all while I’m completing my education and apprenticeship. This isn’t something you’d find at any other groom apprenticeships.
“Getting to watch all the training come to life on stage has been the highlight of my apprenticeship. Seeing how we build throughout the year and being a part of a show night here at Kynren has been so unique and special.”
Izzy’s apprenticeship began after Kynren approached Houghall Campus at East Durham College looking for an apprentice to come and work within the Cavalry team – providing an opportunity to learn new skills and invaluable experience to complement their education.
Whilst based on-site five days a week in the professional stables, Izzy also attends East Durham College once a month to check in with lecturers and learn more about the theory portion of the Level 2 equine apprenticeship.
Izzy added: “No day is the same at Kynren and my daily tasks include a lot of horse care and training; looking after the horses, grooming, feeding, mucking out.
“Riding the horses and exercising them is important too – during winter they’re less active but in the next few weeks we’ll look at slowly introducing the horses back into some gentle exercise so we can build their fitness in time for the shows in summer.
“The most important thing that I receive during this apprenticeship is industry experience working in a professional yard – though I didn’t expect one as unique as this!”
Based on the Kynren site, in the shadow of Auckland Palace, the yard is like no other. Now Izzy is working to complete her Level 2 equine apprenticeship as well as her British Horse Society Level 2 qualification and will embark on the Level 3 Apprenticeship next, allowing her to apply for university courses if she decides to.
Anna Warnecke, CEO at Kynren said: “Kynren is a world class performance bringing together a wealth of different skills and talents from our 1,000 volunteers. Establishing this apprenticeship has been a wonderful experience for us all, allowing Izzy to learn from our incredible Cavalry team and their vast knowledge whilst also experiencing the excitement of performing to thousands of people during a show night.”
National Apprenticeship Week, which is taking place between Monday 10th February and Sunday 16th February, is a celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices to shine a light on the positive impact they add to the workforce up and down the UK.
Kynren – An Epic Tale of England brings to life ‘the story of us’ as it takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through 2,000 years of iconic English history, myth and legend.
Magnificent sets, mass choreography, combat, breathtaking stunts, equestrian feats and stunning pyrotechnics all take centre stage in this unmissable live action outdoor theatre production in County Durham.
For opportunities to get involved with Kynren, including volunteering roles, visit www.11arches.com/join-us.
