From Stable to Spotlight: Kynren’s Apprentice Rides into National Apprenticeship Week
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.
For opportunities to get involved with Kynren, including volunteering roles, visit
www.11arches.com/join-us .
