November Blog: Wrapping Up the Year at BSET Academy

As November comes to a close, the atmosphere at BSET Academy is a blend of focus (on examinations), nostalgia (a year coming to an end), and anticipation (holidays and future endeavors). The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of preparation and reflection, as we near the end of another year. Students have been diligently finishing their Cathsseta assessments and portfolios, preparing for their final ETT, EKWOS and SUMCHI exams, and setting the stage for next year with renewed energy and determination.

End of Year Preparations: Exams, Reflections, and Farewells

The excitement for what’s to come in 2025 is real and exciting, but there’s also a sense of bittersweetness as the year draws to a close. Final-year student, Koni, is gearing up for graduation while bidding farewell to the horses she has worked with during her fieldwork over the past 2 years. It’s been an emotional time for Koni, with her field work slowly wrapping up to make space for exam preparations. As she focuses on her final exams, she reflects on the special bonds formed with the horses, and the growth she’s experienced on her journey toward becoming a certified Equine Practitioner in ETT and SUMCHI.

Meanwhile, all students are entering the final exam phase, juggling practical assessments, as well as their fieldwork duties. With exams running into early December, there’s a palpable buzz of energy and nerves as everyone pushes through these final weeks. Everyone is also looking forward to the well-earned holiday break after months of hard but rewarding work and meaningful life experiences.

The Horses: A Busy Time in the Rehab Barn

The horses, as always, have their own stories to tell. Ling, one of our beloved horses, left for a new chapter as she heads to the racing world, marking a bittersweet goodbye for our students. Another of our horses in wound rehabilitation is nearing the end of her recovery and will soon head home – a sign of progress and the positive impact of the ETT, SUMCHI and EKWOS therapies we work with at BSET Academy. We’ve also had the opportunity to treat a reining Quarter Horse recently, which was an exciting challenge for our students, providing valuable experience with a different breed and discipline. We are also continuing the work with our rehabilitation horses for backing and lameness issues. The diversity in the cases we work with keeps the students engaged and learning all the time.

BSET Academy: A Family Atmosphere

At BSET Academy, the journey is not just about passing exams or completing coursework – it’s about the community we build together. As Koni shared, “My knowledge of horses has grown more here than in 16 years of riding, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.” BSET Academy feels like more than just a learning institution; it’s a place where students live, work, and grow together, developing lifelong friendships and connections. This camaraderie is what makes BSET truly unique, and it’s what makes saying goodbye so bittersweet.

Beth and Sadie’s Global Impact: Vienna and Hong Kong

On the international front, Beth has been making waves with her recent clinic and tour in Vienna, Austria, in collaboration with Kira Schuschnigg. The event was a resounding success, offering a fantastic opportunity for equine professionals and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of SUMCHI practices. The clinic showcased advanced techniques and emphasized the importance of holistic care for horses, helping attendees leave with practical, applicable knowledge.

Sadie, who has been settling in well in Hong Kong, continues to make significant strides in her professional development. Her growing expertise and enthusiasm have made her an invaluable addition to Beth’s Hong Kong practice. Together, they’ve been working hard on developing comprehensive SUMCHI learner guide material, aiming to equip future practitioners with the essential skills needed to care for horses using the latest SUMCHI massage techniques.

Looking Forward: The Year Ahead

With final exams underway, graduation on the horizon, and the holiday break fast approaching, there’s an overall sense of excitement and accomplishment at BSET Academy. We’ve worked hard, learned a lot, and grown together, and as we prepare to say goodbye to this year, we’re all excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Whether it’s gearing up for next year’s studies, continuing to refine our techniques, or expanding our knowledge, we’re all ready to step into the future with confidence. We also have a “full house” of students coming into BSET Academy in 2025, which is very exciting.

Here’s to finishing the year strong and stepping into the next chapter of growth and learning at BSET Academy!