Latest news with #HighlandPony
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rare breed of horse cherished by the late Queen joins Bishop Auckland theatre show
A rare breed of horse once beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is taking part in a County Durham outdoor theatre production this summer. Nicknamed Major, the 14.1-hand pony is one of only 5,000 Highland ponies left. The Queen was a strong supporter of the breed's conservation and kept her own herd at Balmoral. Major has now joined the cast of Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, appearing in Viking battle scenes alongside shire horse Cosmo. The show, starting this Saturday, July 19, is hosted in the UK's largest outdoor theatre event this summer at 11Arches Park in Bishop Auckland. Major in action as part of the show. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates, said: "Major really is big by name, and nature. "He has made such an impact on the team and is a wonderful character with his own unique personality - he's stolen a few hearts already. "Getting to work alongside the horses, and spending time with them every day, is a huge privilege for the entire cavalry team. "We get to see them flourish - onstage and off - and it really is such a joy to see them get as excited for the shows as we do." Staff at the show's cavalry squad had the job in settling Major to his new home whilst training up for the tenth anniversary summer shows. Major with Lucy Watson, from Kynren's cavalry team. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) Lucy Watson, part of that team, said: "Major has settled beautifully into his new role. "He is a complete natural on stage and he has been loving the attention from our volunteers. READ MORE: Dad stages Darlington run in aid of suicide charity in memory of his son County Durham schoolgirl goes 'viral' after turning up to prom in HGV Teesside comedy legend to return to smash hit series 'Last One Laughing' "We're so pleased to have him here at Kynren and we're excited for our audiences to see him and love him as much as we do." The 90-minute show features live animals and a volunteer cast, covering 2,000 years of English history. Kynren runs Saturdays from July 19 to September 13.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rare breed of horse loved by late Queen to star in Kynren
A rare breed of horse loved by the late Queen is set to take part in the UK's largest outdoor theatre event this the nickname Major, the Highland Pony has been welcomed by volunteers and crew at Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, in County newest recruit, standing at just 14.1 hands tall, will perform alongside his co-star Cosmo, one of only 200 remaining grey shires, during exciting Viking scenes. Major is one of only 5,000 Highland Ponies in existence, a breed which Queen Elizabeth II was actively involved in the conservation of. Laurie Robinson, director of cavalry and estates at Kynren said: "Major really is big by name, and nature. He has made such an impact on the team and is a wonderful character with his own unique personality – he's stolen a few hearts already."Getting to work alongside the horses, and spending time with them every day, is a huge privilege for the entire cavalry team. We get to see them flourish – onstage and off – and it really is such a joy to see them get as excited for the shows as we do."Staff at the show's cavalry squad had the job in settling Major to his new home whilst training up for the tenth anniversary summer shows. Lucy Watson, part of that team, said Major had settled "beautifully" into his new role. She said: "He is a complete natural on stage and he has been loving the attention from our volunteers. We're so pleased to have him here at Kynren and we're excited for our audiences to see him and love him as much as we do." READ MORE: Newcastle Pride 2025 parade route and times confirmed as major change made to annual march READ MORE: Newcastle Alexander Isak response speaks volumes as Hugo Ekitike transfer plan emerges The equines take centre stage throughout the 90-minute action packed show which transports audiences through 2,000 years of English history. They also star alongside a cast of animals including cattle, sheep, and geese. Kynren runs Saturdays from 19 July to 13 September.
