Sleip Gait Analysis App
One of the most exciting opportunities recently introduced to the second years has been the use of the Sleip
app for gait analysis. Through the privilege and support that Beth Shaw has given the Academy in allowing
students access to this technology, they have been able to further deepen their understanding of equine
movement and biomechanics in a more modern and analytical way. Using the app has already helped
students sharpen their observational skills and encouraged them to look at the horse with a more educated
and detailed perspective. It allows students to analyse movement patterns more accurately, helping them
identify subtle asymmetries, compensatory patterns and changes that may otherwise be missed during
normal observation. What makes this learning experience especially valuable is how it directly connects
technology with practical treatment and rehabilitation. By developing stronger gait analysis skills, students
are learning how to create more personalised, thoughtful and effective treatment plans for each individual
horse.
app for gait analysis. Through the privilege and support that Beth Shaw has given the Academy in allowing
students access to this technology, they have been able to further deepen their understanding of equine
movement and biomechanics in a more modern and analytical way. Using the app has already helped
students sharpen their observational skills and encouraged them to look at the horse with a more educated
and detailed perspective. It allows students to analyse movement patterns more accurately, helping them
identify subtle asymmetries, compensatory patterns and changes that may otherwise be missed during
normal observation. What makes this learning experience especially valuable is how it directly connects
technology with practical treatment and rehabilitation. By developing stronger gait analysis skills, students
are learning how to create more personalised, thoughtful and effective treatment plans for each individual
horse.
“I am incredibly excited to see where this journey takes us, and I look forward to watching the learners grow
in confidence, engagement, and skill as we continue exploring equine movement through this innovative
technology.” – Second year student Lize-Marie Theron
Trigger warning as the below images were taken during an equine lower limb dissection.
Equine Lower Limb Dissection
Another incredibly valuable and memorable learning experience during May was the lower limb dissection.
Students explored all anatomical structures from the knee down while also closely examining the structures
within the knee itself. Being able to physically see and handle tendons, ligaments, fascia, muscles, joints and
connective tissues in detail provided a much deeper understanding of equine anatomy than textbooks alone
can offer. The dissection allowed students to better visualise the relationships between structures and how
these tissues interact during movement, performance, compensation and rehabilitation. Hands-on
anatomical learning experiences continue to transform the way students understand the horse’s body and
strengthen their ability to apply anatomical knowledge practically in the field.
Students explored all anatomical structures from the knee down while also closely examining the structures
within the knee itself. Being able to physically see and handle tendons, ligaments, fascia, muscles, joints and
connective tissues in detail provided a much deeper understanding of equine anatomy than textbooks alone
can offer. The dissection allowed students to better visualise the relationships between structures and how
these tissues interact during movement, performance, compensation and rehabilitation. Hands-on
anatomical learning experiences continue to transform the way students understand the horse’s body and
strengthen their ability to apply anatomical knowledge practically in the field.
EQASA Examinations
The first years also reached an exciting and significant milestone as they completed their Module 1 and 2
EQASA examinations. Since the beginning of the year, the progress made by the first years has been
remarkable, both academically and practically. Their confidence, understanding and horsemanship skills
continue to grow each week as they immerse themselves in the demanding but rewarding lifestyle at BSET
Academy. Preparing for and completing these examinations required discipline, dedication and hard work,
and the students should be incredibly proud of how far they have already come in such a short period of time.
EQASA examinations. Since the beginning of the year, the progress made by the first years has been
remarkable, both academically and practically. Their confidence, understanding and horsemanship skills
continue to grow each week as they immerse themselves in the demanding but rewarding lifestyle at BSET
Academy. Preparing for and completing these examinations required discipline, dedication and hard work,
and the students should be incredibly proud of how far they have already come in such a short period of time.
Clipping Lecture with Jane Collier
The first years also attended a clipping lecture presented by Jane Collier. This lecture provided valuable
insight into clipping techniques, horse management, presentation and practical considerations when working
with different types of horses. Students learnt about the importance of correct preparation, safety, horse
comfort and professionalism during clipping procedures. Exposure to experienced professionals such as
Jane continues to enrich the students’ learning and provides them with practical knowledge that will benefit
them throughout their careers in the equine industry.
insight into clipping techniques, horse management, presentation and practical considerations when working
with different types of horses. Students learnt about the importance of correct preparation, safety, horse
comfort and professionalism during clipping procedures. Exposure to experienced professionals such as
Jane continues to enrich the students’ learning and provides them with practical knowledge that will benefit
them throughout their careers in the equine industry.
Dental Lecture with Steve Clark
Another valuable educational experience for all students was a visit from equine dentist Steve Clark. Students
had the opportunity to observe and learn more about the importance of equine dentistry and oral health in
relation to overall wellbeing, comfort and performance. Steve shared his knowledge and experience while
demonstrating the practical aspects of equine dental work, allowing students to gain insight into how dental
imbalances can affect the horse physically, behaviourally and biomechanically. Experiences such as these
are incredibly important in helping students develop a more holistic understanding of horse care and the
interconnected nature of equine health and performance. Exposure to skilled professionals from various
sectors of the industry continues to broaden the students’ perspectives and deepen their appreciation for the
many aspects involved in maintaining healthy and happy horses.
had the opportunity to observe and learn more about the importance of equine dentistry and oral health in
relation to overall wellbeing, comfort and performance. Steve shared his knowledge and experience while
demonstrating the practical aspects of equine dental work, allowing students to gain insight into how dental
imbalances can affect the horse physically, behaviourally and biomechanically. Experiences such as these
are incredibly important in helping students develop a more holistic understanding of horse care and the
interconnected nature of equine health and performance. Exposure to skilled professionals from various
sectors of the industry continues to broaden the students’ perspectives and deepen their appreciation for the
many aspects involved in maintaining healthy and happy horses.
Learning in Field
Outside of lectures and practical sessions, field work continues to play a major role in student development
at BSET Academy. Both first and second year students remain actively involved with horses outside of the
classroom environment, where they continue building confidence, professionalism, treatment skills and
practical experience. Working in field allows students to apply what they learn academically in real-life
situations while developing a deeper understanding of horse management, behaviour and rehabilitation.
at BSET Academy. Both first and second year students remain actively involved with horses outside of the
classroom environment, where they continue building confidence, professionalism, treatment skills and
practical experience. Working in field allows students to apply what they learn academically in real-life
situations while developing a deeper understanding of horse management, behaviour and rehabilitation.
The students are also fortunate to spend time shadowing lecturer and ETT practitioner Birgit Schröder,
whose wealth of knowledge and practical experience provides invaluable learning opportunities. Through
observing Birgit work with a wide variety of horses and cases, students gain insight into treatment planning,
professional practice and the application of ETT in the field. Her guidance encourages students to think
critically, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the horse as a whole. Each horse presents
unique challenges and learning opportunities, encouraging students to refine their observation, handling
and communication skills while learning how to adapt their approaches to suit the individual horse in front of
them. Through regular exposure to different horses, disciplines and environments, students continue
gaining valuable experience that strengthens both their practical abilities and problem-solving skills.
whose wealth of knowledge and practical experience provides invaluable learning opportunities. Through
observing Birgit work with a wide variety of horses and cases, students gain insight into treatment planning,
professional practice and the application of ETT in the field. Her guidance encourages students to think
critically, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the horse as a whole. Each horse presents
unique challenges and learning opportunities, encouraging students to refine their observation, handling
and communication skills while learning how to adapt their approaches to suit the individual horse in front of
them. Through regular exposure to different horses, disciplines and environments, students continue
gaining valuable experience that strengthens both their practical abilities and problem-solving skills.
Field
work also teaches students the importance of professionalism, consistency and building strong
relationships with owners and horses alike. These experiences provide an important foundation for working
within the equine industry and help prepare students for the realities and responsibilities of their future
careers.
As always, BSET Academy continues to provide students with an unique and holistic educational
environment where theoretical learning and practical application work hand in hand. The past two months
have been filled with growth, hard work, curiosity and exciting opportunities, and everyone looks forward to
the many experiences, lessons and achievements still to come throughout the remainder of the year.
work also teaches students the importance of professionalism, consistency and building strong
relationships with owners and horses alike. These experiences provide an important foundation for working
within the equine industry and help prepare students for the realities and responsibilities of their future
careers.
As always, BSET Academy continues to provide students with an unique and holistic educational
environment where theoretical learning and practical application work hand in hand. The past two months
have been filled with growth, hard work, curiosity and exciting opportunities, and everyone looks forward to
the many experiences, lessons and achievements still to come throughout the remainder of the year.
