BSET Academy – September Blog

September has brought with it both fresh energy and proud achievements at BSET Academy. From the dedication of our first years to the exciting projects of our second years, it has been a season of learning, growth, and celebration.

First-Year Progress

Our first-year students continue to lay down a solid foundation in their equine studies. They successfully completed Cathsseta Module 6, focusing on equine welfare, covering essential areas such as feeding, stable management, and pasture care. This module ensured that students not only understand theory but also apply practical, day-to-day knowledge in responsible horse care. With confidence from this milestone, the group has now begun Cathsseta Module 7, where the focus shifts toward business awareness, people and time management, and budgeting. This step marks an important transition: students are starting to see how equine knowledge connects to professional responsibility and real-world industry demands.

To round off a busy month, all students have now completed EQASA Module 2. This accomplishment adds another layer of competence to their journey, ensuring they are on track for a strong close to their first year.

Second-Year Focus

For our second-year students, September has been about pulling together skills and refining their expertise. They have begun RTIs (Rider Transeva Integrations) in preparation for year-end assessments, challenging, practical evaluations that combine knowledge, rider awareness, and horse partnership. Alongside this, students have been working with Mandy on Ekwos sessions, where Liberty work and loading practice have been the focus. These activities not only test technical skill but also highlight the importance of patience, communication, and trust in working with horses.

Another major focus for second years is their Business Plan project within the EBV (Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures) module. Far from a simple classroom exercise, these plans challenge students to think like entrepreneurs in the equine world. Each plan integrates creative and strategic elements such as business names, taglines, logos, vision, mission, values, services, and marketing strategies. Students also dive into market analysis, financial planning, and risk assessments, before distilling their ideas into a sharp one-page Executive Summary. This project equips them with the professional mindset and confidence to design, plan, and present their future businesses with clarity.

Achievements Worth Celebrating

We are also proud to recognize staff and student milestones this month. Mandy completed the iconic Karkloof 50 Miler, showing incredible grit and endurance. Meanwhile, Jamie competed at the SA Showjumping Champs, tackling the 1.40m class for the first time – a huge step forward in her competitive journey.

ETT International Update

ETT International has successfully kicked off the 2025/26 HKJC racing season, with the yards they service already posting early-season wins. Meanwhile, Beth is currently in northern China preparing horses for the upcoming FEI International Competition in Beijing. In October, she will travel to South Africa to meet with BSET Academy students and also speak at the World Breeders Federation of Sport Horses Annual Assembly, being held this year in Nottingham Road, KZN, South Africa.

Looking Ahead

September has proven that growth comes from both structured learning and personal achievement. With strong foundations being built by the first years and the second years weaving together their professional futures, BSET Academy continues to thrive as a place where knowledge, passion, and perseverance meet.