THE TEAM | BSET Academy

The Team at BSET Academy

Beth Shaw

Founder and Owner of BSET Academy

Beth Shaw, having worked alongside the renowned equine and athletic physiotherapist Winks Greene for many years, is an active ETT™ Practitioner and co-founder of the SUMCHI Technique. With practices now in Hong Kong and South Africa, Beth’s vision to set up an equine training and healing facility came to fruition in 2008 when she established BSET Academy. With a competent team of staff behind her, this allows her to work at ETT™ International in Hong Kong, which exposes Beth to the highest level of international horse racing on a daily basis. ETT™ Association of Accredited Practitioners was formed in 2015, to support and connect ETT™ Practitioners worldwide.

During 2020, Beth combined with BSET alumni Nancy Schroding, and well-known author Sara Wyche to develop SUMCHI Technique. SUMCHI Technique is a massage stroke routine designed by professionals for the equine enthusiast to improve horse wellbeing. SUMCHI Technique is taught and recognized by BSET Academy.

Beth visits BSET Academy twice a year and connects with BSET students via online lectures and chat groups. Beth finds great value in sharing her work, inspiring and motivating students, as well as creating learning opportunities to improve horse well-being and performance.

Beth’s love for horses began at a young age, competing in the discipline of Eventing at a top level in the USA. In her earlier twenties Beth travelled the world through horse connections and settled in South Africa. With her knowledge of classic dressage, she soon found a passion for retraining the retired racehorse to play polo. Beth's horse skills lead to success on the polo field. Here she was a representative of the South African Ladies Polo Team competing in Argentina (2016), Zambia (2007, 2008 Cpt), Nigeria, Ireland, Australia (2005).

Beth is a graduate of The University of Vermont (BA) USA.

Robyn Butterworth

BSET Academy Principal, Academic Facilitator and Riding Instructor

Robyn joined BSET Academy in 2013 and is the Principal and passionate driving force behind the students. She is an International Level 1 Riding Instructor and EQASA Examiner, as well as a registered Assessor with CATHSSETA. Robyn studied Equine Bodywork in the USA and spent 4 years working in Europe in the equine industry, ranging from racing to driving and polo.

Returning to South Africa, Robyn discovered her love for dressage. The control and concentration required by the horses to perform the movements and the hard work and dedication to achieve this, is where her passion lies.

Robyn also runs the Equine Rehabilitation Centre and ensures that BSET Academy delivers a top class, well-rounded learning experience for the students, that is ever evolving.

Birgit Schröder

ETT™ Instructor

Birgit graduated from BSET Academy in 2012, and then stayed on to join the staff in 2013, initially as the Stable Yard Manager and ETT™ Practitioner for the Equine Rehabilitation Centre and Assistant Lecturer at BSET Academy. Focusing more on ETT™ now and finding her passion within the thoroughbred and racing industry, she spends many hours prepping racehorses for South Africa’s premier races. Birgit, is an extremely accomplished ETT™ Practitioner, has been a part of the preparations of seven Durban July winners. Birgit’s passion for horses and her healing work has translated into many successes and she is a sought after ETT^TM Practitioner in the field.

In 2015 Birgit became a founding member of the Equine Transeva Technique Association of Accredited Practitioners. Birgit lectures and instructs the ETT modules at BSET Academy and assists past students through the ETT™ Association.

Mandy Hunt

Ekwos Instructor

Mandy started at BSET Academy in 2016. Mandy teaches her unique EKWOS Programme, which is also known as Natural Horsemanship. Mandy has an innate ability to solve behavioural problems in horses, and she teaches these skills to the students to ensure that they are better equipped when training, healing, and working with horses.

Mandy’s expertise also lies in building a bond between the horse and rider, whether it be from the backing stage or working through issues further along the way, her patience and understanding with both horses and humans has led to great success in this healing and behavioural space.

Debbie Preston

Education and Business Consultant

Debbie has joined BSET Academy as a consultant in the training space. She is a qualified educator and an author of numerous Textbooks and Study Guides for Shooter and Shuter Publishers. Debbie has a Bachelor of Science Degree, Higher Diploma of Education and Honours Degree in Educational Management. Debbie was the Business Director of Knight Security Solutions (2014 – 2018) and during that time founded the uMngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI) which is a Not-for-Profit Company (NPC).

Debbie will be able to share her business and entrepreneurial skills with our students so that they can venture out into the working world equipped with the tools to set up their own business strategically and successfully.