September 2021 Newsletter
Hello All,

Over Here

August has been a hot and busy month here in Fairfield, Iowa. On the busy side, if you look down at our Course Calendar you’ll see that we have more courses and seminars scheduled than ever. In the terms of the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, I’ve been busier than a three-legged cat covering up poop on a sheet of glass. I’ve been so busy here in the office trying to keep up that I had to go on our Facebook page just to see what’s going on outside the office with Masterson Method.
It turns out there’s quite a bit going on over there, from Why Wednesday videos on things like cross-cantering, head-shyness and tension in the withers, to Instructor Becky Tenges working on a horse that can’t be touched (click photo),
her ingenious anatomy and biomechanics teaching tools...
...and Bodywork Blogs on things like Biomechanics - How a Horse Jumps and The Science of Bend by Instructor Coralie Hughes
… and a ton more. Well, a digital ton. Where have I been all this time, and why didn’t I get the memo?

While there’s a lot more of the same going on in the office this month, I can tell you that in 2005 we started doing Weekend Seminar-Workshops, and since then we’ve taught over 6,000 horse people… persons… beings, how to release tension and connect with their horses, and we’ve certified over 400 Masterson Method Certified Practitioners. And to make it worth the time spent in the office I hope we’ve reached tens or hundreds of thousands more through books, videos, horse expos, social media, and semi-entertaining newsletters like this. At least I’m entertained, writing them.

Over There
You’ll notice that many of the Seminars on the Course Calendar below are taking place in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and New Zealand. 

Here are a few of them:

New Zealand Instructor Nadine Vollmerg has a Weekend Seminar coming up in Christchurch on September 18-19 (this weekend!), and a Seminar with Instructor Diane Howard is coming up in Parly, France on October 9-10.
MM Instructor and horse-woman Lucie Klaassen will be teaching a Weekend Seminar in Vorden, Netherlands on October 30-31.
In the UK, Instructor Vicky Devlin’s Weekend Seminar at Dan Wain Equestrian in Warwickshire is full, but she has another scheduled at Amanda Barton’s Tilefield Equestrian in Brockenhurst October 16-17, and an Advanced Course scheduled in New Forest October 18-22. If you’re sitting on the fence, get off it.

Amanda Barton, BTW, has been an instructor recommended by that guy Mark Rashid for the last 14 years and is his only recommended instructor in Europe. She’s offered a very helpful video on softening and the rein back – or what we call backing on this side of the pond - both new and used horses. Click here, scroll down and take a look.

As you might have guessed; Amanda, Vicky, Lucie, Diane and Nadine are all proponents of softening, whether handling, riding, body-working or just being with the horse.  

Instructor Beata Filonowicz just finished a Weekend Seminar in Rzeszyce (pronounced Rzeszyce) Poland last weekend with the help of her two assistants Agnieszka Kopec and Katarzyna Jankowska (pronounced Agnieszka and Katarzyna, of course). Looks like there having fun there… with the horses… outside… the office (sigh).
Softening People
Softening horses goes hand-in-hand with softening people. In Equine Assisted Therapies, our three-day MMES Seminar in Leesburg, VA is full, but we have another coming up in Liberty Hill, TX on October 29-31.
Back at Home

Between the heat and the busy-ness I haven’t had much time to get out with my horses this summer. As a matter of fact, Saturday was the first time we’ve been out… and summer’s about over. It should be cool enough to get out a little more from here on, I hope. If not, I can open my laptop and watch this:


Check out what’s below and I’ll talk to you next month.

Until then, like me,

whenever you can, 

enjoy your horses.

Jim
Jo has been at it again - that's what happens when office staff take vacations!

Tibbets Up Close
Transformations

Stephanie Goddard (see listing under new MMCPs) sent a story to us - with a wonderful testimonial about her work with Suzanne Piatt and TWH, Carson Daly. Click on the photo to visit Stephanie's website and read the full testimonial.

"Using her skills and this Method, we went from being a joke, to being a serious threat in our division. His mind, his body and mine as well, were affected by the Masterson Method. We learned quickly this isn’t voodoo magic, and will never call it this again. The ability Stephanie has to speak to the inner body, and explain how to use what she unlocks, has made an enormous impact on the health of both me and my horse. I find myself breathing along with my horse and relaxing in his sessions, which is extremely therapeutic for someone who is always on the go. The calmness, and the work is contagious and mindset changing. Her knowledge of how the equine body works, is a true art. We will continue to have her help keep my horses in tip top mental, and physical shape. I can’t thank the Masterson Method and Stephanie enough for giving us our dreams back!”
Need a good book?
Martha Becker and her mare, Fly.

As Fly said: "Martha seems pretty engaged with the subject matter of this book. Hmmmm...."



No Time to Read?
If you are spending time in the car (driving from one barn to another!), take a listen to Jim's most recent podcast with Claire, Kelly, and Olivia at the Amateur Hour!

Released September 14, 2021

Then again - would you rather watch a movie or two?
If you haven't had time or just want to watch it again (have tissue handy), check out A Mind Like Still Water. We have a DVD and Online Streaming options.
"If I Only Had A Brain!"
Ever wonder about your horse's brain? Check out this User's Manual with
Dr. Peters - and collaborators
Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid.
What's Up with the Membership?
Upcoming September Membership Events
Recording available:
Level 2 Members
Expert Hour with
Diane Howard
September 10

Upcoming:
Level 1 and 2 Members
"One Full Mule Review with Jim and Loni" September 18,
10:00 a.m. CST
Upcoming:
Level 2 Members
Live Technique Breakdown of "Farrier Position and Effective Hind Leg Forward Releases"
September 23,
Noon, CST
Upcoming October Events
Level 1 and 2 Members
Live Call with Jim
October 12,
12:00 p.m. CST

Level 2 Members
Live Technique Breakdown: Hind Leg Release Down and Back
October 21,
2:00 p.m. CST
Level 2 Members
Expert Hour
Listening Through Touch
with
Lise Lunde,
Brenda Thompson and Katie Fallon
October 26,
2:00 p.m. CST
MMCPs In the News!
Wendy Martin gave a Masterson Method Demo in Drayton Valley, Alberta on July 24, 2021. Our MMCPs are keeping busy!

"It was a great day and went from two [who] signed up to seven in a quick hurry (LOL). I had great feedback and they said they all learned a lot, it was a full afternoon but they felt that they for sure got their money's worth. I ended up getting one body work session, five signing up for the newsletter, sold 3 dvds and two books. One of the participants has an indoor facility and horses and is considering hosting a two day clinic in Whitecourt, AB."
"I do like to tell the participants that the techniques at a demo/workshop are just basic techniques and the 2-day adds more and so on and so on."
"The feedback is always how amazed they are that such a light touch can make such an improvement in attitude as well as range of motion." 
Congratulations Wendy, owners and horses!
"Thanks to Dale Grove for her ideas and Jim for encouraging and supporting practitioners to go ahead with it!"
--Wendy
Some Global News:

Equichanel in the Czech Republic published an article about the Masterson Method. While you may not be able to read the article - you'll recognize the guy in a lot of the photos! Thank you Ivana Šustrová-Zajíčková, MMCP, for sending this to us!
Newly Certified Practitioners
Need help for your horse? Find a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) near you. Our Certified Practitioners are dedicated equine professionals who have acquired highly attuned skills in partnering with the horse to release tension and increase range of motion, thereby restoring healthy posture and performance. Add an MMCP to your horse’s wellness team by visiting the Find a Practitioner page on our website for the closest practitioner to you.
You'll notice we've been adding our MMES Practitioners to this page - this program is growing! Help pass the word to Equine Therapy Programs and treat those horses to some Tender Loving Care!
Mary Lynn Coughlin, MMCP
Saginaw, Michigan

Mary Lynn has had an interest in applying her skills as a Physical Therapist to care of horses for several years. She was interested in The Masterson Method® because it provides a systematic approach to horse body work that blends nicely with therapy techniques for humans. Moving key areas of the body in a relaxed state while decreasing tissue tension, increasing range of motion without triggering reflexive resistance applies to horses and humans equally.

A lifelong rider, Mary Lynn currently competes in dressage. She has experience working with horses of all ages, from weanlings to over 30-year-old seniors. Every horse contact has provided deeper understanding of these amazing animals as well as an appreciation of the uniqueness of each one.

Masterson Method® Integrated Bodywork can improve your horse’s performance, overall wellness, and mobility. Mary Lynn looks forward to serving the central Michigan and Thumb areas, bringing the opportunity to help your horse be a more effective partner with you.

Phone: 989-980-2522
Stephanie Goddard, MMCP
Gordonville, Missouri

I've spent the past 20 years working with the elderly as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I specialize in manual therapy including myofascial release and deep tissue mobilization. I've owned horses for 30 years and have competed in hunter jumper as well as endurance riding. I currently enjoy trail riding and training my mares and filly with positive reinforcement.

I was drawn to the MMCP because of the amazing affects that the quiet manual therapy can do to improve the horse's functional performance. Similar to working on humans, The Masterson Method® is based on working below the bracing response. I have experience in working with barrel racers, reiners, western pleasure, hunter/jumper, dressage, trail, mounted shooters, gaited horses and pleasure horses.

Serving SE Missouri, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, Western Tennessee and Northeast Arkansas.  Willing to travel as needed.

I am also a National Award winning Equine and portrait photographer.
Phone: 573-225-5413
Website:
Sandra Schürmann, MMCP
Düsseldorf, Germany

I sat on a horse for the first time at the age of 5 and all was right with the world for me. The older I got, the clearer it became that I wanted to spend my whole life with these wonderful creatures, until I had to redeem my horse in 2009 and a world came crashing down for me. I gave up riding and stayed away from horses as much as I could.

My daughter, who was 6 years old at the time, wanted to continue riding and so we rattled off many riding schools until we found the perfect one for us in 2012, where we felt comfortable. I still avoided close contact with horses so as not to build up a bond. In May 2017, I took a temporary job at the riding school and a few months later, a little thing in my life changed ....

At the end of 2017, a Norwegian mare named Hildegard came to the riding school from an animal welfare case, among others. She was a strong head shaker, very jumpy and insecure. After a few weeks Hilde "chased" me every time I was working in the paddock. I tried to ignore her, but at some point, I was no longer able to. So, I asked the owner of the riding school if I could clean Hilde. Well, the grooming soon turned into ground work, walks etc. So, the little princess crept more and more into my heart and the trust grew so much that I sat down in Hilde's saddle after 9 years. I wanted to give her something in return, help her to minimize the headshaking and take away her insecurity, but I didn't know how...
... and then came The Masterson Method®
Naima Teixeira, MMCP
Fribourg, Switzerland

Since I was a child, I always wanted to work with horses and my big dream was to become a masseuse. When I attended a school in this field in 2016-2017, it was too superficial for me. I wanted more. In 2018 I did an introductory course in The Masterson Method® and knew: this is it.

I was fascinated by the fine approach Jim showed in his work. I felt like he was in another world with the horses, like in his own bubble.

As I progressed in my formation I gradually noticed the transformation of the horses I took care of. They became more open, more expressive and moved much more relaxed and balanced.

In 2021 the time had finally come: I held my certificate in my hands. My goal now is clear: I want to help more horse and rider duos to more harmony. Where does this begin? In the lightness of body and soul, to which The Masterson Method® can make a great contribution.





Phone: 79 959 25 51
Facebook: Naïmateixeira_mmcp
Course Testimonials
Interested in taking a course? Here are a few testimonials that might convince you!

You should have signed up yesterday. Do it now.

If you love horses and want to support them to be happy & healthy, then I strongly encourage you to explore the Masterson Method.

Your horse would book you on a course if he could!

Weekend Seminar-Workshop Schedule
* If the course you had your heart set on is sold out, please email jo@mastersonmethod.com to be added to the waiting list. 

If you'd like to host your own weekend (and earn a free spot) please email malia@mastersonmethod.com.

Worried about COVID19? Read our COVID precautions and refund info here:
USA Seminars

September 18-19 New Boston, MI

Sept 18-19 Fredericksburg, VA

September 25-26 Derry, NH

September 25-26 Pittstown, NJ

September 25-26 Oakdale, CA 

Oct 9-10 Olympia, WA

Oct 9-10 Perryville, AR

Oct 9-10 Briones, CA

Oct 16-17 Indianola, IA

Oct 23-24 Monroe, GA

Oct 23-24 Houston, TX

Oct 30-31 Coatesville, IN

Oct 30-31 Sharon, VT

Nov 6-7 Las Vegas, NV

Nov 6-7 Salado, TX

Nov 6-7 Brainerd, MN 

Nov 13-14 Palm City, FL

Nov 19-20 Cumming, GA

Nov 20-21  Philadelphia, PA

Nov 20-21 Glen Arm, MD

Feb 26-27, 2022 Watsonville, CA 

March 26-27, 2022 Flemington, NJ

May 28-29, 2022 Kalispell, MT


Canada Seminars

Sept 19-20 Cobourg, ON
(Note: Sun-Mon course)

October 2-3 Campbellcroft, ON

October 16-17 Langley, BC

October 23-24 Calgary, AB 

April 23-24, 2022 Granby, QC
(taught in French)

April 24-25, 2022 Lake Country, BC 

August 12-13, 2022 Campbell River, BC
European Seminars

September 18-19 Egestorf, DE
(taught in German) 

(taught in German)

Oct 9-10 Parly, France
(taught in French)


Oct 16-17 Brockenhurst, UK

Oct 16-17 Ouwerkerk, NL
(taught in Dutch)

Oct 23-24 Quakenbrück, DE
(taught in German)

Oct 30-31 Hergatz, DE
(taught in German)

Oct 30-31 Vorden, NL
(taught in Dutch)


Australia & New Zealand Seminars

Sept 18-19 Christchurch, NZ
 
Dec 11-12 Cambridge, NZ


South Africa

(Check back for upcoming Weekend Seminars)
Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule

USA Advanced Courses

Sept 20-24 Cedarburg, WI with Becky Tenges

Sept 27-Oct 1 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg

Oct 11-15 Coatesville, IN with Coralie Hughes

Oct 25-29 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey

Nov 8-12  Chapel Hill, NC with Sandy Vreeburg

Dec 6-10 Houston, TX with Becky Tenges

Jan 24-28, 2022 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg

June 20-24, 2022 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg


European Advanced Courses

Oct 11-15 Oxfordshire, UK with Vicky Devlin. (Check - Warwickshire?)

Oct 18-22 New Forest, UK with Vicky Devlin

Oct 27-31 Egestorf, DE taught in German with Walter Saxe
(*Note: Wed-Sun course)


Canada Advanced Courses

September 27-Oct 1 Cobourg, ON with Lori Hoppe

October 25-29 Calgary, AB  with Lori Hoppe


Australia & New Zealand

(Check back for upcoming 5-Days)
Certification Completion Course Schedule

USA Courses

November 8-10 Arroyo Grande, CA

January 17-18, 2022, Phoenix, AZ

European Courses

October 23-25 New Forest, UK

Canada

(Check back for upcoming courses)
Masterson Method Equine Specialist Courses

USA Courses

September 25-27 Tully, NY

October 8-10 Leesburg, VA

October 29-31 Liberty Hill, TX

January 25-27, 2022 Kenwood, CA
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics

USA Collaborative Clinics

November 5-7 Arroyo Grande, CA
Considering the Horse: Mind & Body with Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid

January 14-16, 2022, Phoenix, AZ
Considering the Horse: Mind & Body with Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid
Expos and Demos
USA Expos & Demos

September 17-19 Las Vegas, Nevada Masterson Method® Demo With Anita Chang-Vigo

September 18 Studen, Switzerland Masterson Method® Demo With Brigitte Bisig

September 19 Carmel Hamlet, New York Masterson Method® Demo With Megan Dushin

October 1-3 Lexington, Kentucky, Equitana USA Masterson Method® Demo with Jim Masterson

October 2 Burfordville, Missouri Masterson Method® Demo With Stephanie Goddard

October 29-31 Lexington, Kentucky, Best Horse Practices Summit Masterson Method® Demo with Jim Masterson.
Absorbine Proud Partners
"Absorbine’s relationship with The Masterson Method® is a natural fit. Jim’s breakthrough but simple concepts are all focused on helping the horse to relieve tension, feel more comfortable and improve their relationships with owners and handlers.” 

~ Amy Cairy, Director of Marketing,
W. F. Young, manufacturers of Absorbine products

THE MASTERSON METHOD®
641-472-1312