January 2025

The new year at BSET Academy is off to a bustling start with the arrival of seven first-year students. They have enthusiastically embraced their learning journey, diving into Ekwos sessions, theory lessons, and hands-on experiences that lay the foundation for their equine education. The first weeks can be overwhelming with so many new concepts, but the positive feedback from students has been encouraging. Many have never encountered natural horsemanship before and are eager to explore this approach. Meanwhile, the second-year students are advancing to liberty work, reaping the rewards of their dedication from the previous year.

Insights from the Second Years

The second years have been busy treating horses in the field at Mbona, as well as rehabilitating horses on-site. A recent milestone was the successful rehabilitation and return home of Hope, one of the rehab horses. Adjusting to the new routine and balancing responsibilities with the first-year students has been an initial challenge, but the camaraderie among students has made the transition enjoyable.

In addition to hands-on work, the second years have embarked on their Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures (EBV) program. They have been setting personal goals, aligning their strategies, and refining their intent. Leadership studies have also been a focal point, examining the difference between leadership and management and understanding what makes an effective leader in the equine industry.

Reflections from the First Years

The first three weeks have been an exciting, insightful, and positive experience for the first years. Daily riding sessions and engaging lessons with Robyn and Mandy have been highlights. So far, they have covered topics like tack, grooming, wound management, general horse care, and equine anatomy. Many students have found learning about the equine skeleton particularly fascinating, with Robyn’s enthusiasm making the subject even more engaging. With the help of “Crunchy,” the academy’s equine skeleton model, classroom learning has been both fun and educational.

Ekwos has been an eye-opening experience, changing how students perceive and interact with horses. Many were surprised by the intelligence and heightened awareness of horses. Mandy has provided excellent guidance on establishing effective communication and building trust with these remarkable animals.

The first-years also had an incredible opportunity to participate in the SUMCHI Clinic with Beth. Her passion for horses is infectious, and her hands-on teaching style has been invaluable. The clinic introduced the students to the basics of SUMCHI, and Beth went the extra mile by offering one-on-one sessions over the weekend. These personalized lessons focused on refining technique, developing feel, and understanding equine communication. Students also gained insight into nerve spots and the importance of self-poultice and self-grooming. With so much learned in just a few weeks, the excitement for the rest of the year is palpable.

Exciting Developments and Staff Updates

Beth’s practice in Hong Kong continues to thrive with the addition of ETT Practitioner Mercedes van Zyl. This support enables Beth to expand into China while still returning to South Africa to mentor BSET students. Looking ahead, she has a series of meetings planned throughout the USA in early March 2025.

A heartfelt farewell and thank you go to Demi for her dedication over the past 14 months. Her assistance to Robyn has been greatly appreciated. At the same time, BSET extends a warm welcome to Kayla, who will now be supporting Robyn with administration and student mentorship. A BSET graduate from 2017, Kayla brings seven years of experience in ETT practice and stable yard management. Reflecting on her journey, Kayla shares:

“I started at BSET in 2016 and finished my second year in 2017. We were the first second-year students! My passion is horses, horses, and horses – I can’t get enough of them! I love working with them and have possibly become emotionally dependent on them🤣. One of my favorite things is getting to know each horse individually and understanding their unique personalities. BSET helped me develop a feel and passion for horses that continues to grow every day. A day without horses is simply not a good day for me! 😆”

Looking Ahead

The first few weeks of 2025 have been filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities. With both first and second-year students fully immersed in their programs, the energy at BSET Academy is inspiring. The journey has just begun, and we cannot wait to see how each student evolves over the course of the year.