MARKHAM CROWNED SCT APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR!

Eighteen-year-old Cameron Markham is Stubbing Court Training Ltd (SCT)’s ‘Apprentice of the Year 2026’. The final judging by Lycetts Director Anna Goodley, sponsors for this prestigious award, took place on Tuesday 14 July at Pickering Grange EC.

Cameron, who works for legendary British showjumper Michael Whitaker at his Nottinghamshire yard, came out on top after the final portfolio assessments and interview were carried out. The runner-up was Amelia McKenzie-Garbutt, who works for Bridgefield Stables near Bradford. 

Lycetts’ Anna Goodley said: It was a pleasure to judge the Stubbing Court Training Apprentice of the Year Award 2026. Both finalists demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning and, most importantly, a genuine determination to turn knowledge into practical skills every day. Cameron is a thoroughly deserving winner. His attention to detail, desire to learn, and impact at the highest level of competition make him an outstanding ambassador for the apprenticeship programme and a role model for future apprentices’.

Cameron received a £200 cash prize and Amelia a £50 cash prize very generously provided by Lycetts Insurance.

The Apprentice of the Year judging and presentation was a highlight of a very successful day during which Olympic coach Chris Bartle gave an exclusive Masterclass to seven groups of SCT apprentices and employers. These ranged in experience and ambition from polework sessions to advanced jumping training for SCT employers and professional riders including Tyler Cassells, Fiona Davidson and Sam Hobbs.

Chris, a long-time supporter of SCT said: “Once again it has been a privilege and fun to work with the apprentices as well as some of their employers today. It is great to see their enthusiasm. I have been working with SCT for many years and believe it is a great opportunity for young people to come into our industry and learn about all aspects of work with horses.”

Giving people starting out on their employment journey access to this sort of invaluable training and rewards such as the Apprentice of the Year title is just one of the many benefits offered by SCT that enrich and inspire people in seeking a lasting and well-rewarded career with horses. SCT has outstanding contacts with a vast range of employers, from the world’s top riders and trainers to livery yards, rehab centres and studs. An apprenticeship offers a thorough, broad-based and remunerated training with first-class support and guidance, resulting in experience and qualifications that employers really want.