The Shiloh Ranch Gap Year Programme is designed for young people who want something different. It is a hands-on ranch experience where learning happens through participation.
Shiloh Ranch offers structured programme options of 3 MONTHS | 6 MONTHS | 9 MONTHS.
Learn the basics, build confidence and become part of the ranch.
Weeks 1–12 · EQASA Module 1 preparation
Horse care, basic riding and groundwork, cattle and sheep basics, farm safety, daily chores and homestead skills.
Take on more responsibility and deepen your skills across the ranch.
Weeks 1–24 · EQASA Modules 1 & 2 preparation
Stronger horsemanship, lunging and tack, horse health, cattle work, veld and grazing, fencing and farm systems.
Step into leadership, mentor others and leave a lasting impact.
Weeks 1–36 · EQASA Modules 1, 2 & 3 (Horsemastership)
Horse management, health and nutrition, conformation, leadership, records, land management and a final practical project.
Acceptance & Administration Fee: R2,000
Once an applicant has successfully completed the application process and has been accepted into the Shiloh Ranch Gap Year Programme, a once-off Acceptance & Administration Fee of R2,000 is payable to secure their place. This fee covers enrolment administration, student onboarding, programme documentation and intake preparation.
Not sure which length is right for you? Tell us a little about yourself and we will talk it through.
The programme is practical experiential learning, rather than a conventional classroom course.
Students can expect exposure to areas such as:
Horsemanship and horse handling
Horse care and stable-yard skills
Horse training principles
Reining and practical riding skills
Cattle handling
Ranching
Agriculture
Roping
Equipment care and maintenance
Practical farm and ranch work
Teamwork and responsibility
Everyday life skills
Personal development, confidence and independence
Working with a horse teaches you very quickly that strength alone won’t get you very far.
Students learn about communication, timing, patience, consistency and trust.
The Shiloh programme introduces students to practical horsemanship, including handling, groundwork, riding, horse care and training principles.
Students may work with horses of different temperaments and levels of training, allowing them to understand that every horse just like every person requires a different approach.
Students receive practical preparation and exposure to stable-yard skills as part of their time at Shiloh Ranch.
Students wishing to pursue applicable external certification may independently apply through EQASA as well as CEEPSA and complete the relevant theoretical and practical assessment requirements, subject to EQASA’s own eligibility, registration and assessment requirements.
Shiloh Ranch provides preparation and practical experience and does not issue EQASA or CEEPSA qualifications or claim EQASA or CEEPSA accreditation. We are members of both.
Ranch life doesn’t always follow a timetable. Animals need attention. Weather changes plans. Jobs appear unexpectedly. Sometimes things go wrong and you have to figure out how to put them right. That’s part of the education.
A day at Shiloh may involve feeding animals, working horses, checking cattle, stable duties, riding, maintenance, agricultural work or learning a completely new skill.
Students aren’t coming to Shiloh simply to be entertained. They become part of ranch life.
Horsemanship
Responsibility
Resilience
Patience
Discipline
Teamwork
Confidence
Practical skills
Respect
Independence
Learning to use the ingredients that the land has given you
Some lessons can’t be taught from a textbook.
Shiloh may suit a young person who:
Wants a practical alternative to a conventional gap year.
Loves horses, animals, agriculture or outdoor life.
Wants to develop independence and confidence.
Is willing to work and participate.
Wants to learn practical skills.
Needs time to discover what direction they would like to take next.
Wants to experience a completely different way of life.
You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. You need to arrive willing to learn.
