about Masterson Method

Improving performance, communication and relationship with your horse.

The Masterson Method® is an integrated, multi-modality method of equine massage. It is a unique and interactive method of equine bodywork in which the practitioner uses the responses of the horse to touch and movement to find and release accumulated tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. In contrast to other 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!

Horses work hard for people in a multitude of jobs which require athleticism, focus, and calmness. Fluid movement, and a willing attitude are difficult and sometimes impossible to access for horses who are holding stress in their bodies. Helping horses let go of tension so that they become more comfortable in their movements expands their natural athletic abilities and eases the aches and pains of use, stress, and age. 

Careful reading of classical horsemanship texts reveals that massage modalities and techniques have been used on horses for centuries. As the horse has transitioned from a work animal to a recreation animal, massage has moved from the realm of talented grooms to trained, certified specialists. Currently, an internet search will yield pages of horse-massage books, schools, and practitioners. Traditional massage modalities are manual manipulations of body tissues, usually muscles and fascia. A massage practitioner is very literally working on the body, kneading, pressing, rubbing, or stroking. 

Masterson Method® practitioners do not manually manipulate tissue in the same sense as traditional massage therapies. Instead, MM gently influences the horse and its neurological system to release muscle tension through touch, weight support, and movement. The poll-atlas junction, neck-wither-shoulder junction, and sacroiliac junction are of particular importance for equine athletes. Therefore, MM pays particular attention to these areas of the equine body and works to maintain and improve fluid movement in these areas. For more detail about MM techniques and products please visit www.mastersonmethod.com