BSET Academy May 2025 Blog

May has been a month full of learning, excitement, a few nerves, and a whole lot of milestones, both academic and personal. From fascinating dissections and first year EQASA exams to Beth’s inspiring visit and our second years taking a leap into the professional world, the energy on campus has been buzzing despite the cold KZN-Midlands weather!

We started the second semester with a real eye-opener: a dissection of a horse’s lower limb. This hands-on session gave us the rare opportunity to explore the tendons and ligaments that keep our equine partners moving. Being able to physically see the structures we often only feel or treat deepened our understanding of anatomy in a practical and unforgettable way.

This new semester also began on a high note with a visit from Beth, who spent a week with us sharing her wealth of knowledge and passion. We learnt more about SUMCHI Level 2, focusing on the Equine Concertina and Inter Hub Tension Lines. Once we had the basic strokes down, Beth took us into field where we got to observe and treat horse under her guidance. Beth’s ability to read horses and help them through such intuitive work was nothing short of inspiring. Watching her work reminded many of us why we’re here and how much there is still to learn.

Beth also introduced the first years more formally to ETT machining using the Winks Green Transeva, and it is finally starting to feel tangible. Robyn and Kayla have been amazing in breaking down the technical side of using the ETT in lectures, and the first years finally got to use the ETT machine on a horse for the very first time! It was a milestone moment that was exciting, especially since not so long ago they were the ones watching from the sidelines.

For the first years, May has been a whirlwind. Between lectures, practical’s, and adjusting to the chilly weather, EQASA Exams were a major focus. After weeks of preparation, the big day finally arrived, along with miserable weather. They started the morning at the Jockey Academy’s Country Club watching the racehorses gallop and grabbing a quick breakfast. Just as they arrived at the exam venue, the heavens opened, and they had to sprint through pouring rain to the exam room! Soaked and frozen, they pressed on, knowing they were ready. And we were! The exams turned into a personal victory for many, particularly those who doubted themselves in the beginning. Seeing how far they have all come since day one was incredibly fulfilling.

In between all the hustle, Ekwos has become a weekly highlight. Whether it’s bareback riding in halters or learning new ways to communicate with our horses, the progress the students are making, both in skill and connection, is noticeable. One student shared, “Ekwos has made me so much more savvy around horses in general. It’s pushed me and Amstel, my horse, out of our comfort zones and brought us closer”.

The second years have been heavily involved in the practical side of things, heading into the field with Birgit to treat regularly, especially as polo season ramps up. Prepping polo ponies has kept them on their toes and is giving them the kind of hands-on experience that can’t be taught in a classroom. They also put their business skills to the test by hosting a professional budget presentation. From sending out digital invitations and preparing agendas to facilitating a Q&A session and recording formal minutes, the entire experience mirrored real-world business scenarios. Their teamwork, professionalism, and execution earned them a well-deserved distinction. One student summed it up perfectly: “I thought the presentation of the budget went really well and that we learnt what actually happens out in the real world.”

All the students also had the privilege of a fascinating nutrition lecture from Debbie Dick of Epol, which shed light on the critical role proper feeding plays in our horses’ performance and recovery. Her practical insights gave the students far more appreciation of what goes into formulating a feeding plan and how to adapt it based on the horse’s work and lifestyle.

May also welcomed Nicki Jacobs to the team, as an administrative assistant. We hope that Nicky, who also loves horses, enjoys working at BSET Academy. We are proud of everything that has been achieved so far this semester, from braving exams and rainstorms to expanding our anatomical knowledge, refining our hands-on skills in the field and enjoying some business experiences. The growth across both year groups has been lovely to see, and we are excited to see what June brings.

Until then, stay warm, stay curious, and keep growing!

The BSET Academy Team