South Africa's specialist equine education institution. Accredited courses in horsemanship, holistic healing modalities, and the pioneering Equine Transeva Technique.
BSET Academy was established in 2008 by Beth Shaw on a working farm and rehabilitation centre in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. It is the only institution in the world providing specific instruction in SUMCHI Technique, EKWOS, and the Equine Transeva Technique (ETT).
Our full-time programmes combine practical learning, riding proficiency, and accredited qualifications from EQASA and CATHSSETA. Students live on campus, share a fully furnished house on the property, and learn in an immersive setting surrounded by horses, countryside, and a community passionate about equine excellence.
17+
Years training the next generation of equine professionals
Two pathways to professional equine careers. Both programmes combine theory, practical skills, and industry-recognised certifications.
Next intake: 13 Jan – 10 Dec 2027
The ultimate gap year for the equine enthusiast. Enhance your horsemanship, riding, and equine behavioural understanding. Bring your own horse or bond with one of ours.
SUMCHI 1–4 · CATHSSETA Equine Practices · EQASA 1–3
EKWOS 1–2 · Riding Proficiency · Business Skills
Next intake: 13 Jan – 10 Dec 2027 (after BSET II)
For students passionate about equine well-being and performance. Study SUMCHI, EKWOS, WG TRANSEVA and ETT to become versed in holistic healing modalities.
CATHSSETA 71469 · EQASA 1–3 · SUMCHI 1–4
EKWOS 1–4 · ETT Practitioner · Entrepreneurship
The body is electric. Motor neurons generate electrical impulses to move muscle fibres. ETT uses the Winks Greene (WG) Transeva to re-establish correct muscle movement and function.
Originally developed by Winks Greene, daughter of renowned trainer Denis Labistour, ETT has been refined by Beth Shaw over 20+ years of practice. The technique has been involved in multiple Group 1 victories, including six Vodacom Durban July wins.
6x
Vodacom Durban July victories
20+
Years of clinical practice
5
Disciplines served: racing, jumping, dressage, polo, endurance
“Perfecting the Equine Athlete”
Students live on campus with breathtaking views of the Karkloof Valley. Each student has their own bedroom in a fully furnished house on the property.
The only institution teaching SUMCHI Technique, EKWOS, and ETT. Qualifications you cannot get anywhere else.
Certified by CEEPSA, CATHSSETA, EQASA, and approved by IAAMBACWT as a Preferred Educational Provider.
Live and learn on a working farm in the Karkloof Valley, between the heart of South Africa's breeding and racing industries.
Beth Shaw's ETT practice has contributed to six Vodacom Durban July wins and Group 1 victories across racing, polo, and showjumping.
A graduate of the National Sports Academy (New York) and the University of Vermont, Beth studied under Winks Greene in the late 1990s and has maintained a successful equine practice for over 20 years.
A SAVC Certified CSR Veterinary Physiotherapist, Beth has worked with high-performance equine athletes across racing, showjumping, dressage, polo, and endurance disciplines. She represented South Africa in ladies polo in Argentina, Zambia, Nigeria, and Australia.
In 2008, Beth founded BSET Academy to pass on the techniques and knowledge she has spent decades refining. In 2015 she established the ETT Association of Accredited Practitioners, and in 2020 launched SUMCHI Ltd.
“Passion and purpose has helped me improve my performance, my client's performance and my student's performance.”
Beth Shaw, Founder & Director
Students live on campus and share a fully furnished house with individual bedrooms. BSET Academy is ideally situated between the heart of the breeding and racing industries.
Students wear BSET Academy uniform daily (shirts, fleeces, caps, jackets). Blue or black jeans/jodhpurs and leather boots required. An approved safety riding helmet is compulsory.
All students are required to have comprehensive medical insurance. Weekend courses are also available — follow us on social media for upcoming dates.
