April and May at BSET Academy have been a whirlwind of learning, growth, practical experience and exciting opportunities for both the first and second years. While part of April was spent enjoying a well-deserved Easter break, May quickly brought everyone back into the fast-paced and hands-on rhythm that defines life at the Academy. From lectures and dissections to examinations and busy days in the field, the last two months have been incredibly full and rewarding.
EKWOS Horsemanship
The second years have continued progressing through their EKWOS Horsemanship modules with Mandy Hunt. EKWOS Horsemanship focuses on creating better communication, trust and understanding between horse and handler through softness, timing and feel rather than force. Students learn how horses think, respond to pressure and communicate through body language, helping them become calmer, more aware and more effective handlers.
Through these sessions, the second years have continued developing their confidence and practical skills while learning the importance of patience, consistency and clear communication. The lessons encourage students to better understand the horse both mentally and emotionally, while also improving the way they approach handling, training and treatment in everyday situations.
Spurwing Nutrition Lecture
The first years also attended an informative lecture at Spurwing focused on equine feed and nutrition. This lecture provided students with valuable insight into the importance of correct nutritional management and how feeding practices directly influence the horse’s health, performance, behaviour and overall wellbeing.
Students learnt more about different types of feed, nutritional requirements, digestive health and the importance of tailoring feeding programmes to suit individual horses and their workloads. Understanding nutrition is a vital component of equine management, and the lecture encouraged students to think critically about how proper feeding supports soundness, recovery, development and long-term health.
Opportunities such as these continue to broaden the students’ practical knowledge and deepen their understanding of the many factors that contribute to maintaining healthy and thriving horses.
Beth Shaw’s Visit to the Academy and International Webinar
A highlight of the trimester was welcoming Beth Shaw back to BSET Academy. Beth spent time with the students both practically and academically, sharing her knowledge, observations and ongoing research. Her visit provided valuable opportunities for discussion, learning and collaboration, while allowing students to gain further insight into her innovative approaches to equine biomechanics, fascia and rehabilitation.
In addition to her visit, Beth was invited by the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) to present an international webinar on Dr Ian Bidstrup’s research surrounding birth trauma in horses. During the webinar, Beth related these findings to her own work involving hyperextension of the nuchal ligament and the Equine Concertina, exploring how developmental and birth-related influences may contribute to compensatory patterns and long-term biomechanical effects within the horse.
The webinar highlighted the importance of looking beyond obvious symptoms and considering the horse as an interconnected system. It was an honour to see Beth representing her work on an international platform and contributing to important conversations surrounding equine welfare, performance and biomechanics. Her continued involvement with BSET Academy provides students with exposure to progressive thinking, current research and valuable mentorship from a leader in the field.
Watch the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7_dZRpphZo
