Everyone has settled into the practical and unique rhythm of BSET Academy where the days are filled with academic lectures from Robyn Butterworth, EKWOS Horsemanship with Mandy Hunt, bodywork lectures from Kalya Coetzee and Zoey Thompson, riding lessons, and experiential hours spent shadowing Birgit Schröder. At BSET Academy learning is not limited by international borders, Beth Shaw and Mersadez van Zyl regularly lecture over calls from Hong Kong to engage with the students, share their wisdom and new observations, answer questions and offer insightful thoughts on the horses everyone is working with.
For the first years, their understanding of horses and skills have skyrocketed over the course of the last few months and will continue to reach new heights as they continue to prepare for upcoming EQASA Examinations and soon begin to wield the handpieces of Winks Greene Transevas. The second years' knowledge and experience with horses continues to grow and flourish both in the classroom and practically with their horses. As they continue to venture into field more often and consistently, they have begun many journeys with new horses at their designated yards where they treat at weekly. They have also gained valuable experience and knowledge during their 6 Week Rider Transeva Integration Projects in which they focused on transforming their project horses under saddle, under the machine with ETT (Equine Transeva Technique) and with the Sumchi6 using the SUMCHI Technique. They grappled with and formulated treatment and conditioning plans based on biomechanics, musculoskeletal, neurological and functional systems.
Birgit Schröder's Fleur De Ling Winning at Scottsville Racecourse
Fleur De Ling, owned by Birgit Schröder, claimed her first career win in the Maiden Plate on the 15 March. A very special and proud moment for Birgit and the BSET Academy family! Congratulations to both Ling and Birgit, we wish them many more successes and happiness in their racing endeavours.
Beth Shaw in Florida
During March, Beth spent time in USA with her family and visited the World Equestrian Centre, Ocala Florida. A valuable experience, that was filled with many inspiring encounters, and an educational and interesting time at Noelle Floyd's meet and greet.
Students in Field
Field presents ample opportunity to learn more about horses, treatment plans, professionalism and work ethic. All the students are consistently going into field, the first years are using SUMCHI and bodywork as their tools, and the second years are very busy clocking up their machining and SUMCHI hours. The second years have consistent yards of different disciplines with interesting case studies and amazing horses they are learning from. In addition, as the polo season draws closer the second years are acquiring more and more yards with owners that want to maximise performance and soundness in their polo horses. With the help of Beth Shaw, they are currently embarking on a Nerve Spot Case Study that aims to identify Nerve Spot patterns in relation to the Equine Concertina. The students are also shadowing Birgit Schröder once a week, the highly skilled ETT practitioner who shares what seems to be an endless supply of knowledge and experience.
Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures (EBV)
BSET Academy wishes Debbie Preston, our previous EBV lecturer, all the best on her new journey as she departs BSET Academy. Her expertise, wisdom, presence and generosity will be greatly missed by all. We are very appreciative of the time and effort she has put into both the Academy and students. May she move forwards in her career with prosperity and positive influence.
Robyn Butterworth and Nicky Jacobs are now running the EBV course work and are collaborating with other business professionals to pool together knowledge from all directions to help the students be as well-rounded entrepreneurs as possible. Over February and March, Cathleen Kleb and Ansa Smit Theart from Call Cath, a Creative Business Administration Service, ran a short inspiring programme with the second years. They educated them on social media, intentional content, audiences, business strategy and design, and gave them the necessary tools and encouragement to build their businesses and start planning ahead.
Jump Judging at Mount Helmsley's 1-Day Eventing Show
Anli Van Den Heever, Kaylee Mclaren, Isabelle Chalmers and Tori Black volunteered to jump judge at Mount Helmsley's Eventing Show. An incredibly rewarding experience for these students who attended, and for many of them it was their first time seeing eventing in action. The day offered a well-rounded and insightful look into the world of eventing, from observing horses and riders in the smaller classes to established partnerships compete at CCI2* level. Being a part of the jump judging process allowed them to engage with the event from a different angle and highlighted just how much preparation, coordination, and effort goes on behind the scenes at a competition. The students also had the opportunity to show their support to Kayla Coetzee and her horse, Maximus (affectionately known as Moose), who competed in the 75cm Class. A beautiful pair to watch both at home and out at shows.
BSET Academy is specially positioned to provide students with enriching opportunities. With access to a variety of nearby show venues and exposure to multiple riding disciplines, students can fully immerse themselves in the equine industry. Each learner has the potential to gain valuable experience, broaden their understanding, and make the most of their journey during their time here.
Taking The SUMCHI Technique to SANESA
Nicky Jacobs and second year students, Isabelle Chalmers and Emily Bernhard, took the SUMCHI Technique to the KZN SANESA Q2 at Waterwoods Equestrian Venue. They showcased the technique on the competitive horses, explained the versatility and powerful impact of the technique, and invited all to continue learning about SUMCHI via Patreon and Social Media Platforms. SUMCHI Technique is Beth Shaw's ground-breaking technique that builds connection between the user and their horse with rhythmical strokes, it positively shifts the collagen matrix and fascia, and improves wellbeing and health within the horse. We plan on taking SUMCHI Technique to future shows and bringing this incredible technique and the Sumchi6 magnetic massage tool to more horse owners, so that they too can experience the power of SUMCHI and create wellbeing in their horses. Look out for us at upcoming SANESA shows, we will be there to answer questions, provide demonstrations and share our knowledge of the incredible technique!
EKWOS Horsemanship
The first years have been introduced to EKWOS Horsemanship at BSET Academy, it has already taught them the importance of lightness, communication, slowing down, taking a breath, and trusting their feel. EKWOS Horsemanship helps everyone learn more about themselves, their horses and how important intention and energy affects horse's perceptions and responses. The second years have been working hard at EKWOS Module 3 in which their main focus is loading horses. They have learnt that patience is always vital, confidence and repetition are key, and consistent patterns are a must to create good associations with the box and a reliable horse that can be trusted to load safely.
Hands-On Dissection Learning Experience
The full dissection was an interesting and enlightening experience where students could see and feel firsthand the true nature of the different anatomical structures of the equine. This dissection has transformed the way they think and visualise the equine, both in movement and during treatments. Instead of imagining the equine's body as a series of anatomical drawings they now see the equine as an anatomical masterpiece, an intricately designed complex animal of continually connected structures.
Easter Celebrations
Easter joy was brought to the farm when the students and their horses enjoyed a challenging and fun Easter Egg Hunt. This Easter Egg Hunt was far from ordinary, it was filled with physical challenges, testing questions, teamwork and a touch of competitive spirit. A special thank you to the mastermind Tori Black, first year student, and all the staff involved in the coordination and planning of this fun morning that brought so much laughter and excitement. BSET Academy wishes all a happy and memorable Easter surrounded by loved ones. We look forward to welcoming the students and staff back after their Easter break to finish off this wonderfully busy Trimester!