Masterson Method®
Equine Bodywork
What is The Masterson Method®?
The Masterson Method is a unique approach to equine bodywork that releases tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. According to Jim Masterson, the founder of The Masterson Method:
“It is something you do WITH the horse, rather than TO the horse.”
Masterson Method bodywork opens up a new conversation with the horse through the body, and allows us to listen to what they’re “saying” through autonomic body language changes, such as blinking, twitching, a change in breathing, bracing, or fidgeting. Once the horse gets that we’re listening, they trust us to help release tension in the key joints of the body through gentle movement release techniques. The goal is to let go of unnecessary held tension patterns that inhibit performance.
To learn more, visit About The Masterson Method on Jim’s website.
What are the Benefits?
As a certified practitioner in The Masterson Method, I offer gentle and effective bodywork services to help horses:
Release accumulated stress and tension
Improve performance — mobility, suppleness, evenness, balance, and impulsion
Improve behavior and attitude — often caused by pain in the body
This is a great offering for all types of horses in all kinds of jobs. The bodywork supports competition horses to perform at their best, and leisure horses to feel their best.
How Does It Work?
This bodywork is very gentle. We work to keep the horse relaxed while gently exploring “the edge” in range-of-motion techniques to facilitate an improvement. Think of a yoga posture… you find the position, breathe, and then go a little deeper. My job is to unravel the complex web and set you and your horse on track to better performance and integration.
In the Masterson Method® integrated equine bodywork we use "light touch" and range-of-motion (ROM) techniques in such a way that bypasses the horse's flee/freeze response to release deeply held and accumulated tension. Working WITH the horse’s nervous system, I have over 100 techniques to call upon to help pinpoint and release areas of restriction and thereby improve mobility and suppleness. I also provide a summary of my findings to help identify any possible issues that may be causing pain or restrictions in the body.
Masterson Method® is not a substitute for veterinary care — we may refer owners to their veterinarian, dentist, farrier, or other providers depending on what the horse is showing us.
Can You Teach Me?
Yes! As a Masterson Method Instructor, I offer courses and interactive demos to share how The Masterson Method can enrich your relationship with your horse, and improve your horse’s performance and overall wellbeing. Courses are arranged through the Masterson Method office, and demos are arranged through me.
Interactive demos typically include 4-8 people at your barn who receive hands-on guidance of foundational principles and a few simple bodywork techniques. This work can be a complete paradigm shift for some: you might see and relate to your horse in a completely new way!
Contact Me
Contact Me if you’d like to discuss bodywork for you or your horse and/or hosting a demo at your barn.
Equine Bodywork
When It's Needed
The benefits of bodywork are best noticed during competition season, but the bodywork also helps horses stay supple during down times, recover from dental work, maximize the benefits of chiropractic work, or self-regulate and relax.
Intake Form
If you scheduled a bodywork session for your horse with me, please fill out this Intake Form before their first session. Thank you!
When to Schedule
My sessions are typically around 90 minutes in length. It's best if your horse is not at all hungry when I begin (has had plenty of free choice hay or grass in the hours prior to the session), and also not expecting a regularly scheduled meal (grain) by the end of the 90 minutes. So if dinner is typically fed at 4pm, we should start no later than 2pm.
Where to Practice
As for location, wherever your horse is most comfortable is typically best. I do not work on cross-ties as I want the horse to be able to move around between or during techniques. If your horse is comfortable in their stall, that can work great. If they need a companion, it may be best to have a friend within view in a nearby stall. If your horse prefers being outside and the weather is suitable, we'll need an area free of grass and loud noise or activity.