The Masterson Method ® - Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork, is a unique, interactive method of equine massage and bodywork in which you learn to recognize and use the responses of the horse to your touch to find and release accumulated tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance.
In contrast to most traditional modalities, it enables the horse to actively participate in the process of releasing tension. It is something you do with the horse, rather than to the horse. This participation and interaction is what makes the method fascinating for those who use it. In fact, if you do not allow the horse to participate, it does not work!
Reading, and feeling responses helps you determine where and how long to release that stress, kind of a, "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" relationship! When done properly, this can be applied to stress in the connective tissue of joints at key junctions deep in the body that take a beating in work and performance.
By using the correct techniques, and knowing the responses to look for, you are able to get a release of accumulated stress that affects mobility, comfort, attitude, training and performance. Muscular and structural balance, and natural alignment are restored, and your horse can respond to your training without stiffness and pain.
Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele
competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork to therapists in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of equine massage body work that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at
the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.
Frequently asked questions
Q-"how long will a session take?"
A-The initial session usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. follow up or regular sessions may take less time, usually around 1 hour.
Q-what preparation do i need to do?
A-you will need to call your vet and ask for permission for me to work on your horse. this is a legal requirement. I will get you to sign on the day to confirm the vet has given permission. Your horse should ideally be generally easy to control and be happy around people. Please let me know if our horse kicks or bites! your horse should be in a suitable area to work in, either a stable/barn or a safe outdoor area. Clean and dry horses are appreciated! but don't worry too much about that.
Q-do you work on stallions?
A-yes! please let me know if your horse is a stallion at the time of booking.
Q-do you work on pregnant mares?
A-I would not recommend having bodywork on a pregnant mare.
Q-what happens in a session?
A-I will work on your horse using Masterson Method techniques which release tension form the key junctions of the body which most affect performance. This will range from very light touches on certain points, to moving the joints in a relaxed way. I will be observing your horses responses and using them to judge how to proceed. I will not force your horse to do anything, I will not do anything to cause pain to your horse. Your horse may show signs of a release which could include lots of yawning,fidgeting,snorting,stretching,looking sleepy or very still. extreme reactions could include lying down or looking like they are sedated. do not worry if this happens, it is a sign of the nervous system processing a big release.
Q-how will my horse be afterwards?
Your horse will probably be feeling pretty good afterwards but they may behave slightly unusually for a short while. this may include being very sleepy/lazy or could be the total opposite. This effect is only temporary and will wear off in a short time. I recommend that the horse not be ridden until the day after the session, although its up to you if you do or not. If you are competing I would recommend having the session booked no sooner than a week before big events. After each session tension has been released, therefore your horse will start to move in a more balanced way, we need to give time to the body to get used to these changes before doing such things as a one day event or endurance ride!
Q-How many sessions will my horse need?
A- This will vary depending on the individual horse. A good plan is an initial 3 sessions a month or six weeks or so apart, then a maintenance schedule of once every 3 months or so to stop the build up of unwanted tension in key areas. A good time to book them in is after they have had their feet trimmed or been shod., their feet have been re-balanced, a good time to re-balance the body also!
It is totally up to you how often you want your horse treated. The harder your horse works, the more tension they will accumulate, therefore they will benefit from more frequent sessions. You should see/feel an improvement in how your horse works especially after a few sessions.
In contrast to most traditional modalities, it enables the horse to actively participate in the process of releasing tension. It is something you do with the horse, rather than to the horse. This participation and interaction is what makes the method fascinating for those who use it. In fact, if you do not allow the horse to participate, it does not work!
Reading, and feeling responses helps you determine where and how long to release that stress, kind of a, "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" relationship! When done properly, this can be applied to stress in the connective tissue of joints at key junctions deep in the body that take a beating in work and performance.
By using the correct techniques, and knowing the responses to look for, you are able to get a release of accumulated stress that affects mobility, comfort, attitude, training and performance. Muscular and structural balance, and natural alignment are restored, and your horse can respond to your training without stiffness and pain.
Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele
competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork to therapists in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of equine massage body work that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at
the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.
Frequently asked questions
Q-"how long will a session take?"
A-The initial session usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. follow up or regular sessions may take less time, usually around 1 hour.
Q-what preparation do i need to do?
A-you will need to call your vet and ask for permission for me to work on your horse. this is a legal requirement. I will get you to sign on the day to confirm the vet has given permission. Your horse should ideally be generally easy to control and be happy around people. Please let me know if our horse kicks or bites! your horse should be in a suitable area to work in, either a stable/barn or a safe outdoor area. Clean and dry horses are appreciated! but don't worry too much about that.
Q-do you work on stallions?
A-yes! please let me know if your horse is a stallion at the time of booking.
Q-do you work on pregnant mares?
A-I would not recommend having bodywork on a pregnant mare.
Q-what happens in a session?
A-I will work on your horse using Masterson Method techniques which release tension form the key junctions of the body which most affect performance. This will range from very light touches on certain points, to moving the joints in a relaxed way. I will be observing your horses responses and using them to judge how to proceed. I will not force your horse to do anything, I will not do anything to cause pain to your horse. Your horse may show signs of a release which could include lots of yawning,fidgeting,snorting,stretching,looking sleepy or very still. extreme reactions could include lying down or looking like they are sedated. do not worry if this happens, it is a sign of the nervous system processing a big release.
Q-how will my horse be afterwards?
Your horse will probably be feeling pretty good afterwards but they may behave slightly unusually for a short while. this may include being very sleepy/lazy or could be the total opposite. This effect is only temporary and will wear off in a short time. I recommend that the horse not be ridden until the day after the session, although its up to you if you do or not. If you are competing I would recommend having the session booked no sooner than a week before big events. After each session tension has been released, therefore your horse will start to move in a more balanced way, we need to give time to the body to get used to these changes before doing such things as a one day event or endurance ride!
Q-How many sessions will my horse need?
A- This will vary depending on the individual horse. A good plan is an initial 3 sessions a month or six weeks or so apart, then a maintenance schedule of once every 3 months or so to stop the build up of unwanted tension in key areas. A good time to book them in is after they have had their feet trimmed or been shod., their feet have been re-balanced, a good time to re-balance the body also!
It is totally up to you how often you want your horse treated. The harder your horse works, the more tension they will accumulate, therefore they will benefit from more frequent sessions. You should see/feel an improvement in how your horse works especially after a few sessions.
