Animals have always been part of our lives, and their presence is woven into our history, culture, and stories. The much-loved animal cast is central to the immersive storytelling in Kynren – An Epic Tale of England highlighting how they have shaped our myths, legends, and daily lives. Their involvement in Kynren adds a unique charm and authenticity. The incredible ensemble includes:
- 39 performance horses including a rare grey shire.
- A flock of 37 sheep, including British breeds like Texels, Wensleydales and Ryelands.
- One goat named Sunny and a new arrival of a kid in 2025 called Snowdrop.
- Two Durham Oxen called Lady Barrington and Vi.
- Mother & Daughter Donkeys .
- A gaggle of over 30 geese.
- Icelandic Chickens which you’ll meet in the Viking settlement.
All the animals are cared for by our dedicated team, who ensure that they receive the best possible care, respect and conditions so that they are comfortable, content and well-trained to enjoy appearing on stage. Their presence adds a heartwarming, natural feel to our performances, delighting audiences of all ages.
The Equine Stars
Kynren’s show features 39 magnificent horses, each carefully selected and trained to enhance the spectacle. Our equine cast includes:
- Lusitanos: Elegant riding horses from Portugal and Spain.
- Wielkopolskis: Versatile carriage horses from Poland.
- Kladrubers: Historic carriage horses from the Czech Republic, one of the world’s oldest breeds, traditionally bred for the House of Habsburg.
- Percherons: Gentle giants from Normandy, France, known for their strength, style, and agility—the ideal draught horse.
- Cosmo: Our newest addition, a rare grey Shire horse and one of only 200 left in the world.
Together, our horses pull a variety of wagons and carriages featured in the show, demonstrating their grace and power in equal measure.
Caring for Our Animals
Out of season, our animals enjoy a well-deserved rest in the best pastures and lovely stables, expertly maintained to provide a comfortable environment. The horses benefit from daily rides and exercise and attention from our committed team, who ensure their health and happiness year-round.
Our cavalry team works tirelessly to ensure that Kynren’s equine stars are well-groomed, well-fed, and thoroughly exercised. On show nights, these lucky riders transform into jousting knights, soldiers, and carriage drivers, adding excitement and magic to the live spectacle.
Licensing and Animal Welfare
Kynren is fully licensed to feature animals in its shows, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure their welfare and comfort. Our Exhibition of Animals license number is: DCC/ALA/079004.
We are proud of our animal cast and the extraordinary efforts of our team, who work behind the scenes to bring this aspect of Kynren to life. Their dedication ensures that every performance is a magical experience for both our audience and our animal stars.