Attending the course at Summerhill opened so many doors for me and I will forever be grateful for what I learned at Summerhill. – Jason May 2012
Magic happens when you combine your passion and career. Summerhill has always had a special place in my heart; I am very excited to be back where it all began after all these years and be a part of the team’s new ventures. – Lara Coulon 2012
Summerhill prepares you to look at every aspect of the equine, racing and breeding industry and to see it at an in-depth level; it’s really special. I am so grateful for Summerhill. – Taubin Grove 2018
CAPITAL’S HERMES POMMEX Z - Halifax van het Kluizebos x Emerald van’t Ruytershof x Chin Chin
A CAREER AWAITS
The School of Equine Management Excellence is one of the most prestigious equine colleges of its kind. Based in the heart of KZN horse country, the school is situated in the grounds of the magnificent Summerhill Equestrian Estate in Mooi River, and is home to many of the top horses in South Africa and bloodlines in the world. We are able to offer students an unrivalled hands-on experience, uniquely covering all aspects of both Warmblood and Thoroughbred stud management and breeding.
Graduating students of the School have excelled in the industry, proving themselves again and again as the best candidates for the top jobs. Students from the School of Equine Management Excellence are hot commodities in the horse industry, not only here in South Africa, but also in Australia, England, New Zealand, America and even as far afield as Japan.
The School of Equine Management Excellence one year course sets each and every individual up for a long and illustrious career in the equine industry. Graduates of the School continue to fly the flag high, even many years after graduation. We couldn’t be more proud of their achievements, and look forward to growing and developing more equestrian talent through the School in the coming years.
We hope your year with us will give you the opportunities, experiences and confidence you need to realise your potential and pursue your passion!
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School of Excellence
It’s amazing what you can learn after you’ve learned all that you think there is to learn.
– Ray Hunt
Our clear vision, meticulously structured CEEPSAunderwritten training curriculum, and practical training philosophy gives the School it’s unique stature within the equine industry.
- Grant Store (The School’s Principal)
AIM
To afford a rich, challenging, comprehensive equine education through excellent and innovative teaching and learning.
MISSION
To ensure a high-quality equine education through both practical and theoretical means to selected individuals who have shown the highest potential as future managers within the equine industry.
VISION
To provide a consistent quality supply of highly trained personnel to the equine industry. Our graduates are equipped with the very best foundation for their careers so that they can grow and flourish in any chosen avenue within the global equestrian industry.
SUMMERHILL EQUESTRIAN
In 2019, Henning Pretorius made a significant investment in Summerhill Equestrian, which included the relocation of the globally acclaimed Capital Stud to the property. This strategic decision not only showcased his vision but also brought together the best of both worlds. By combining the prestigious Thoroughbreds with the world-class Warmbloods, this endeavour created a truly remarkable and unparalleled environment for learning. His ongoing commitment to investing in the property and improving the facilities has resulted in an idyllic setting that fulfills the dreams of every passionate equestrian.
The facilities at the School are state of the art and students are exposed to the world’s latest breeding and management practices through the teachings of academics, trainers, nutritionists, and some outstanding stud managers of their era, as well as insights from leading industry personalities. This solid grounding in theory is complemented with exceptional quality practical experience with some of the very best bloodlines in the world. No other single property boasts such an impressive offering.
What sets the School apart is that both Warmbloods and
Thoroughbreds are incorporated into the one stud. The facilities here on the farm are absolutely incredible, and my investment into the world’s best bloodlines, along with the best staff to run the breeding operations, ensures a quality education. Students are guaranteed access to a comprehensive range of hands-on learning opportunities, enabling them to gain valuable real-world skills and knowledge. You can’t get this kind of opportunity anywhere else. -
Henning Pretorius
CURRICULUM
The School’s curriculum, which is underwritten by the Council Of Equine and Equestrian Professionals of South Africa (CEEPSA) will equip graduates with the required skills to successfully move into managerial positions within the equine industry.
Students attend theoretical lectures and receive extensive practical experience. This ‘hands on’ approach is critical for learning. Although the curriculum is formally structured, due to the nature of horses, each day brings new learning opportunities and the students are very much a part of these.
During the course, students are required to complete specific assignments individually and in groups and do presentations on these. These research projects will be archived for future students’ reference.
The curriculum covers all aspects of the strategic, practical, and financial demands of a sophisticated equestrian business which is based around the calendar of the horse. This year long certificate course comprises of three CEEPSA-accredited modules:
HORSE HANDLING & SALES PREPARATION
This module covers general horse knowledge, equine behaviour, practical horse handling, stable management, grooming and tack. It also includes sales preparation with emphasis on the Thoroughbred, with students attending at least one Thoroughbred sale. Towards the end of the course the students will also attend the Capital Stud Warmblood Auction.
STUD MANAGEMENT
This module is considered the weightier one of the three as it covers equine and staff management, veterinary care, farriery, dentistry, nutrition, pasture management, backing of the young horse, transportation of horses, pharmacology and biosecurity, to name just a few. An accredited Level 1 First Aid course is also offered. Students are given the opportunity to attend The Hollywood Bets Durban July as well as visiting other equestrian institutes and events.
EQUINE REPRODUCTION
This module coincides with the equine breeding season (September to March). It covers both Live Coverings as well as Artificial Insemination (AI), stallion and mare preparation, gestation, foaling and breeding techniques.
Graduation is held in December after all final assessments have been completed successfully.
ACT OF WAR - By Dynasty out of Si Senorita
CLASS OF 2022
CAPITAL KRONOS - Darco x Cash x Lord
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world – Nelson Mandela
