top of page
All Students.jpg
Horseman Logo Final white icon.png

NOT JUST A GAP YEAR!
A Life-Changing Horsemanship Journey

Real horse training. Tremendous Personal Growth on a Biblical Foundation. Limited to 10 students only

20230725_152115.jpg
este 1.jpg

Este Erasmus

An excellent place to learn real horsemanship—from groundwork to under-saddle training.

Dewald print.jpg

Dewald van Aarde

Roan’s knowledge, patience and passion are unmatched. I’ve improved in ways I didn’t think possible.

480787699_649876260792589_15829340378582

Nicole De Jager

Clear and precise groundwork, taught with patience and passion. I left confident and empowered.

What You’ll Experience

 Hands-on Horse Training, For Real
Work with untrained and client horses daily -from groundwork to riding - under expert mentorship.

Master the Horse Business
Film. Edit. Market. Learn how to build a brand and attract paying clients in the horse industry.

 

 Deep personal development, Team Work, Overcoming Challenges and Spiritual Mentorship.
You will be pushed in all aspects from your physical condition to your way of thinking and leading. 

Become a Leader
Build grit, independence, and life skills through routine, responsibility, and practical leadership.

What Past Students Say

Who This Is For

Does this sound like you?
 

  • You love horses and want to build your future around them.

  • You want a meaningful gap year — not just a break from school.

  • You’re hungry for purpose, not parties.

  • You want to grow in all aspects - spiritually, personally, and professionally.

  • You’re between 17 and 26 years old.

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

Price, Dates, Location & What’s Included

📆 Jan – Nov 2026
📍 Plot 36 Waterbok Street, Boschkop, Pretoria, South Africa

This is an investment in more than horsemanship. It’s a year full of transformation and empowerment, all in one immersive experience.

 

✔️ Daily horse training and care
✔️ Self catering-accommodation on the ranch

✔️ Field Trips, Outrides

✔️1 Year Access to Online Course Library (When launched)
✔️ Personal coaching & biblical mentorship
✔️ Business, leadership & media sessions
✔️ Theory lessons 

You’re not just paying for a program, you’re investing in a life-changing year.
Compared to university, international gap years, or full-time horse training, this delivers unbeatable value.


💰 Flexible Payment plans: Only R22,997/month over 11 months. Includes training, accommodation, and mentorship.
 


"Still wondering if it’s worth it? Let’s compare what you actually get…

Our Program
University Degree
Short Horse Course
Hands-on
✅Daily
❌Mostly theory
🛑Limited & rushed
Skills
✅Horsemanship, Business, Media
❌Academic only
🛑Limited Skills
Growth
✅Leadership & mentorship
❌Depends on course
❌Minimal focus
Spiritual
✅Daily sessions
❌Little to None
❌None
Outcome
✅Certified Trainer
🛑Uncertain jobs
🛑No certification
Accommodation
✅ Included
❌R5000+/month
✅Included
Mentorship
✅1-on-1 daily
❌Rare
✅1 - on - 1
Cost
💰R22,997/month (R253k total)
💰R300k–R700k+
💰R30k–R50k
Duration
11 Months
3–6 Years
2–6 Weeks
ROI
✅Skill & Purpose
🛑Unclear path
❌Too shallow
Smith Horsemanship Class 2025-12.JPG

Ready to Apply?

🎯 Only 10 spots available for 2026
💡 Over 60% of our previous programs filled in weeks
🐴 Applications now open — don’t wait.

OR

Need Help Paying for the Program?

At Smith Horsemanship, we don’t believe financial circumstances should block true passion or potential.

If you’re serious about attending but need support, we offer limited scholarships through our True Grit Scholarship Program.

Frequently asked questions

apply

2026 Full-Year Horsemanship

Academy Application

How did you hear about us?
Gender
Male
Female
Birthday
Year
Month
Day
Fitness Level
Not fit (unable to jog 1km without resting).
Fairly fit (able to jog 2.5km comfortably at a fair pace).
Very fit (able to jog over 5km comfortably at a fair pace).
Would you like to bring your own horse for training?
Yes, I have a horse that I would like to bring.
No, I would like to use one of your horses.
What tack/gear do you have?

2026 Academy Fees

The full investment for the Smith Horsemanship Academy 2026 Full-Year Program is R253 000. This includes professional training, accommodation, mentorship, access to horses, and all core personal development programs.


🔸 1. Registration Fee

  • R5 000 non-refundable deposit

  • Payable within 7 days of acceptance to secure your place

  • Deducted from the total program fee


🔸 2. Tuition Payment Options

🟠 Monthly Payment Plan

  • 11 monthly payments of R22 546

  • First payment due by 31 December 2025 (covers January)

  • Remaining payments due by the last day of each month (Feb – Nov 2026)


🟠 Quarterly Payment Plan

  • 4 payments of R62 000 (December, March, June, September)

🟠 Upfront Payment Option

  • One-time payment of R223 200

  • Due before 31 December 2025

  • Saving 10 % (more than a full month's fee!)


🔸 3. Payment Terms & Policies

  • All payments are due in advance, by the last day of each month

    • Example: February tuition due by 31 January

  • If payment is not received by the 1st of the month:

    • A R500 late fee will apply

    • Participation may be paused after 14 days of non-payment

    • After 30 days, the student may be withdrawn and replaced by a waitlisted applicant

  • Missed payments or early withdrawal do not exempt you from the full fee commitment


⚠ Important Notes:

  • The monthly plan is a payment structure, not a monthly subscription — students are committing to the full 11-month program

  • Students are expected to uphold the payment timeline for fairness to others on the waitlist

  • Refunds are not available, except under serious, approved exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical emergencies)

  • Gear packages or bonuses may be forfeited in the event of early withdrawal or dismissal

  • Payment plan adjustments may be discussed in exceptional cases only

Do you plan on staying the full year or only a few months?
The full year
Only for a few months
Drawing mode selected. Drawing requires a mouse or touchpad. For keyboard accessibility, select Type or Upload.

SMITH HORSEMANSHIP EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS

We offer the highest-quality products for horsemen and women locally made in South Africa! Saddles, riding gear, clothing and more.

bottom of page