What exactly is the Smith Horsemanship Academy?

A full-year, hands-on program where students learn horse training, leadership, business, and life skills, all rooted in a biblical worldview. It’s more than just horsemanship, it’s a launchpad into adulthood, purpose, and professional growth.

How long is the program?

This is a full year program, starting in late January.

How many students are accepted per year?

We only take 10 students per intake to keep the experience personal, high quality, and hands-on.

Can I come without my own horse?

Yes. We provide horses for you to train throughout the year.

What qualifications do your instructors have?

Our instructors are selected based on their practical horsemanship ability, teaching skills, experience, and commitment to the Smith Horsemanship training philosophy. We encourage prospective students and their families to visit the Academy, observe our training, and decide for themselves whether our approach is the right fit.

Is your Academy suitable for someone who wants to become a horse trainer?

Yes. The Academy is designed for people who want to build practical skills in horse training, colt starting, riding, and horsemanship through daily, hands-on experience. Students leave with real-world experience working with a wide variety of horses and situations, preparing them for many different opportunities within the horse industry.

Where will the 2027 Academy take place?

At Smith Horsemanship’s private farm in the North West Province, approximately one hour from Rustenburg and 20 minutes outside Koster. The exact address is shared with accepted students and confirmed visitors.

Colt Starting Academy | 12-Day Horse Training Course South Africa

Learn to Start Horses with Confidence

Train on real horses. Learn a proven colt starting system.

"Starting a horse is one of the greatest responsibilities. Do it right the first time, and you'll build willingness that can last a lifetime." Roan Smith

What This Is:

Most horse owners never get the opportunity to start a young horse correctly from beginning to end.

During this academy you'll work alongside our instructors, learning the exact Smith Horsemanship system while helping start a unhandled horse from the ground up.

This isn't theory.

It's practical horsemanship, every single day.

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Is This For You?

You're serious about learning how to start horses correctly.
You enjoy practical learning.
You're willing to work hard.
You want to build real horsemanship skills.
You want coaching, not just demonstrations.

If that’s you, you’re exactly who we built this for!

WHEN, WHERE AND HOW MUCH?

📆 NEXT INTAKE
Applications are open year-round.
Once we've accepted 2 to 3 suitable students, we'll schedule the next Colt Starting Academy and notify everyone well in advance.

📍 WHERE: Smith Horsemanship’s Private Training Farm, North West, South Africa
Approximately one hour from Rustenburg

WHAT THE 12 DAYS ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE:

Daily hands-on horse training and care

Structured theory in practice that supports what you do

Personal coaching and biblical mentorship

PRACTICAL SKILLS YOU’LL DEVELOP:

Catching and halter training unhandled horses

Establishing control, respect, and responsiveness on the ground

Understanding pressure, timing, and release

Reading horse behavior and body language in real time

Desensitising and preparing nervous or reactive horses

Saddling and preparing for the first ride

Introducing the first rides safely and correctly

You’ll go through 30+ structured exercises that form a complete foundation for starting horses.

THE ENVIRONMENT:

Live on a working ranch

Self-catering accommodation included

Full immersion, no distractions

DIGITAL ACCESS:

1-Year access to the online course library (on launch)