Listen...Feel...Heal

Masterson Method bodywork is not a substitute for medical treatment or medications.  It is recommended that you consult your Veterinarian for any medical conditions that your horse may have.  Bodywork is not recommended for pregnant mares.

Please have your horse and his environment ready when your practitioner arrives.  The horse should be in a safe and familiar area, preferably a stall, or a well known site that has shade.  Being in a friendly, common location will assist the horse to release tension (physically and mentally) and restrictions within their body. Give him some time to settle into his stall or the location.  A few minutes are usually needed for the horse to assess the environment and relaxes his mind.  Sessions normally last between 1-2 hours.  The horse determines the timeline.  Choose a time frame that alllows the session to end naturally without being rushed.

If your horse normally resides in a stall, turnout before a session can help free their mind and body, enabling them to generously give their time openly to the practitioner.  It is also highly recommended that the horse is turned out directly after the session to allow him time to process the releases that occurred.  It assist them to "clear their minds".  If turn out is not available, a 10-15 minute hand walk is advised.

The Masterson Method bodywork sessions are most effective with cold muscles.  Please avoid workouts prior to the practitioner arriving.  If a training session must occur, allow a few hours for the horse's muscles to cool down and rest prior to your appointment.

If you plan on having your horse kinesio taped, the coat must be dry and free from excessive loose hair and dirt.  Avoid applying fly spray or hair polish prior to your session as these reduce the tape's ability to adhere to the coat.

A clean, level stall works best.  Please have the stall free of urine and manure.  The stall should have absorbent material, such as shavings.  During the bodywork sessions, the horse may be so relaxed that they defecate or urinate.  The practitioner will be kneeling with different techniques, and the horse may find the need to lie down.

Be sure that your horse has been fed prior to your appointment.  This will help the horse stay focused during the session.  Remove any lingering food sources from the stall so that it minimizes distractions during your session.  Please have a source of clean, fresh water available.

Please refrain from petting or interacting with your horse during a session.  It is very important for the horse to focus on his role of participation with the session.  The practitioner must be in tune with your horse to recognize the slightest of cues and releases.  Watching their body language tells them exactly what pressure to use, where to go next and if they're ready for a particular technique.  The practitioner may not be able to engage in conversation, however all of your questions will be addressed during rest periods.

Try to schedule your session during quiet moments at the location.  Times to avoid are: feedings, turnout times, barn riding lessons, high-volume traffic times.  Though we can certainly work within these parameters, we want to provide your horse with the most effective environment.

As the Masterson Method techniques tap into the Para-Sympathetic Nervous System, the horse will release tension through blinks, lip quivers, breathing changes, head shakes, licking, chewing, yawning and other methods.  Sit back, watch and connect with your horse.  Take notes of what your horse tells you.