equine BODYWORK, HUMAN BODYWORK, and horseback riding
Services
Masterson Method® Bodywork for Horses
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.
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 use over 100 techniques to help pinpoint and release areas of restriction to improve mobility and suppleness. I also provide a summary of my findings to help identify any possible primary 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.
Teaching Masterson Method® Bodywork
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!
Craniosacral Therapy for Horses
As a certified and registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist for humans, I often shift my focus to craniosacral contacts for horses who would benefit the most with this light work. For instance, a horse with significant poll sensitivity, mystery hind end issues, or imbalanced cranial bones might respond well to craniosacral contacts.
Craniosacral therapy is the epitomy of Less is More, one of the principles of The Masterson Method. Since The Masterson Method has several roots in craniosacral therapy, the two modalities work well together for horses. I continue to learn and grow in my skills applying craniosacral principles and contacts to horses.
Craniosacral Therapy for Humans
As a certified and registered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, I support people in maximizing their health through table work. The client is full clothed lying face up on the table, and receiving present and spacious contacts to support the body’s inherent healing. You will experience deep relaxation and integration of health.
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle approach to bodywork that was passed on through a lineage of osteopaths. Since The Masterson Method has some roots in craniosacral therapy, the two modalities work well together for horses and humans.
Teaching Horseback Riding
I have been teaching riding since my days as a hunter/jumper competitor, Prelim-level 3-day eventing competitor, gold medalist vaulter, and B-rated United States Pony Club member as a teenager. As the daughter of the recognized US Pony Club legend Leona Dushin, I acquired not only old-school horsemanship and riding skills, but also impactful teaching skills. My mother passed on her training from the cavalry in the mid 1900s, as well as through German classical dressage masters such as Dr. van Schaik, along with her lifelong passion for horses spanning over 90 years.
I currently teach at Hardwood Creek Farm in Hugo, Minnesota, and at my family farm in Garrison, New York. My passion is to meet the needs of each student with fun, encouragement, and empathy.
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.