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Hello All,

Reporting from beautiful, wooded countryside in the northern part of Germany now, where Instructor Walter Saxe has organized an impressive array of sport and hunting horse barns for our first German-language Advanced 5-Day Course. We’re experiencing a boom of students wanting to learn here in Germany, mainly thanks to Walter’s efforts. Walter will continue teaching Advanced 5-Day Courses here in German and has put together a support team of enthusiastic MMCP’s here. Go Germany!

Just finished a head-spinning week at the HUGE Equitana horse expo here. 
Walter arranged 10 demos, two streaming podcasts, two magazine interviews and seven meet-and-greets at four sponsors’ booths, and used demo horses belonging to some well-known horse trainer - all in a four-day period! Equitana is nine days long, about twice the size of our largest horse expo, and is all about networking. A little different than we do things at home. Whew! I get tired just talking about it.

Things have quieted down now and we’re teaching a good advanced class in the quieter north. One of our students got a couple of photos of a clever little guy getting the benefit of an advanced technique demonstration this week when no one (well, almost no one) was looking. I guess you could call him an inter-loper (sorry, pun intended). 
Northern Germany
At the Advanced 5-Day Course
Walter teaching at the Advanced 5-Day Course
I’ll be back over this way in May for some UK courses (a couple of spots still open in the UK Advanced 5-Day Course, BTW) and the UK/EU MMCP Educational Conference. See more below!
We have a couple of Mark Rashid collaborations coming up:
April 1-5th in California
July 6-12th in Colorado
October 15-17 in the UK

Keep reading below for more information!

I’m going to wrap this up here as I’m still recovering from Equitana and need to get this to Kait to get to you on time (or close to it). Will get you up to speed next month.
Until then, like me,
Enjoy your horses,
Jim
Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Conference in Europe
Our goal for this two-day event is to provide our Practitioners tools that will help them improve the service they offer their clients, provide the opportunity to network and share ideas with other MMCPs, and to have some fun.
Bodywork with Jim
Technique review and update with Jim, and the opportunity to ask him any questions you may have

Saddle fit with Master Saddle fitter Stefan Hamm
Stefan will be coming from Germany to talk about saddle fit. Stefan has found that the majority of the saddles he sees do not necessarily need replacing but can be improved with simple adjustments. He will show us ways that we as bodyworkers can help the client with existing saddles without having to replace them.

Groundwork with Richard Maxwell
Max will share with us groundwork techniques he uses to help the horse continue to release tension in movement in the three key junctions that most affect performance.

Dates:    Monday and Tuesday June 3 – 4, 2019
Registration:  200 USD for registrations before April 8
 220 USD for registrations after April 8

Includes lunch both days, and dinner on Monday evening.

Maximum 70 participants.

This event is for MMCPs but will be opened to FW Students after April 8 if there are spaces available.
Gentler Approach to Life
Testimonial from MMCP Jennifer Sechrist, about her Masterson Method experience:

Every person that I have met on my Masterson journey has expressed the same sentiment regarding how much this work has positively impacted not only their approach to working with horses, but has also contributed to a quieter/gentler approach to life itself." ~Jennifer Sechrist 



*Share your experience with The Masterson Method here .
Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminars
We had a Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar in Sylmar, California earlier this month. Host and Assistant Amelia Nalli captured some great moments for us! See below.
Deepen connection with your horse.
Hands on training with your instructor.
Find like minded horse friends!
Take your experience home to try with your horse.
In early March, we had a Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar way up north in Whitehorse, Yukon!!
In February we had BHM Weekend Seminars in Tucson, Arizona, Horace, North Dakota, Richmond, Texas, and Vierh ö fen, Germany. Check out the group photos below.
Tucson, AZ
Horace, ND
Richmond, TX
Vierh ö fen, DE
"The course was fantastic! Our instructor and assistants were awesome, very clear in explanation and demonstration. Everything was presented in a quiet relaxed manner, like The Masterson Method itself. The whole weekend was all I had hoped for and much more. I think everyone was very pleased with the course. I had had the book for several years and thought I was doing pretty well on my own, but I learned so much more, my mules and a couple of friend's horses think so too! Thank you so much!" ~ Weekend Seminar Attendee

Join us at a Weekend Seminar!
This year join Jim in the UK to learn The Masterson Method
Testimonials from the UK
"I have just completed the weekend course and loved every minute. Jim and his team explained everything so clearly, we had lovely horses to work with and everything was so well organised. There was a perfect balance of theory, demonstration, and practice under supervision. Having seen some of Jim’s videos and read the Beyond Horse Massage book prior, the weekend course definitely filled in many of my missing pieces and gave the opportunity to ask lots of questions to the real experts. It allowed me to cement my learning by clarifying different areas which in turn built my confidence. The Masterson team are great and really fun to work with yet so knowledgeable and competent. I’d highly recommend and can’t wait to move onto the next stage of learning as I can see that there’s still too much to discover and perfect! Most of all it’s so enjoyable to be able to give something back to the horses and see them responding to this light gentle yet powerful technique. ~ Kimberley Suzanne Harman
"The opportunity to get really personalized, individual coaching on the techniques is unlike any course I’ve had. The course offers a really appropriate balance of lecture and practical application. Jim and his team have a wonderfully encouraging coaching approach that facilitates learning, confidence and skill. Throughout the 5-Day each one of us had the experience of getting the “feel” of what certain techniques are designed to release. " ~ Nikki Kagan

"Very well organized and well structured course. The coaches are friendly, supportive and teach well. Each day you learn just enough to be challenged but not overwhelmed. Excellent course and I highly recommend it." ~ Nikki Thomsit

May
Weekend Seminar Warwickshire, UK May 18 - May 19 (Sold Out)
Advanced 5-Day Course Salisbury, UK May 20 - May 24
Weekend Seminar Salisbury, UK May 25 - May 26
Advanced 5-Day Course Salisbury, UK May 27 - May 31(Sold Out)

June
Certification Completion Course Oxfordshire, UK June 1- June 2

October
Weekend Seminar Oxfordshire, UK Oct. 5 - Oct. 6
Advanced 5-Day Course Oxfordshire, UK Oct. 7 - Oct. 11
Certification Completion Course Oxfordshire, UK Oct. 12 - Oct. 13
Considering the Horse Collaborative Clinic Cambridgeshire, UK Oct. 15 - Oct. 17
Masterson Method Equine Specialist
Program News
For this newsletter, we’re sharing some amazing statements from a t-risk youth, veterans, and people with eating disorders or recovering from addiction who have learned and practiced The Masterson Method on therapy horses.

“I liked watching her lips wiggle. If she had a pencil in her mouth she would have scribbled – 'I’m lovin’ this.' I felt good giving back to her.”

“In Masterson you reminded me to breathe, showed me how to ground myself, and be in the present, in the moment with the horse. I felt myself relax little by little each time the horse released her tension.”

“The [Masterson Method] really helped me think about the horse and her tension. She showed me she had tension in the same places I have tension, in my neck. She was showing me who I am. I felt so relaxed.”

“I liked being present with my horse and watching his expressions. I feel calm and happy to learn I don’t need a cigarette to calm down.”

“It was cool how subtle changes in me made great changes in the horse. How taking a deep breath and becoming aware of my breathing affected the horse.”

“The Masterson [Method] was so different than anything I have known. My hand got so hot on the spots where my horse had tension. It was a weird feeling that I would move my hand off and returned to a normal temperature. Put my hand back on the spot and it would get hot again. Then the horse yawned and yawned. I trusted the horse more after doing it because the horse trusted me.”

The Masterson Method Equine Specialist specializes in sharing specific light touch Masterson Method techniques with persons served in equine-assisted learning and therapy programs. By doing this bodywork on horses, participants deepen their connection with horses while also gaining self-awareness and self-regulation skills; meanwhile, therapy horses are tended to through simple bodywork and learn a new way of relating to people. It's a win/win!
 
Questions? Visit the  Masterson Method Equine Specialist Website   or contact the Program Coordinator at  mmes@mastersonmethod.com .
Recognizing the Brace using
The Masterson Method
Jim Masterson sharing about staying under the horses survival bracing response and how that may help you with people as well as horses.  

Learn more techniques i n the Beyond Horse Massage Book and DVD.

More free Educational Videos.
New Certified Practitioners
Daina Jackson
Jerome, ID

Daina grew up in the small town of Jerome in southern Idaho. Her family first purchased a horse when Daina was about 8 years old and fell in love. Daina has been around horses ever since. Daina has spent summers riding horses and taking dudes on trail rides for several years. Seeing the work that those horses do every day and what they go through made her want to help them in some way. Daina was first introduced to The Masterson Method via a mutual friend and was instantly hooked when she saw the difference in that horse after a session. The weekend and the 5-day class were and even bigger hook for Daina. It was so amazing to see the difference in the horse. Daina plans on working on horses as much as possible while continuing her education on any and all horse related stress and pain releasing non-invasive methods for all horses. Happy Horse, Happy Ride! 

Phone: 208-320-0026
Dale Grove
Sebeka, MN

Dale grew up in central Minnesota, developing a love of horses and riding at a young age which continued into adulthood where she began to pursue her hobby actively in new areas such as the local Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol and competitively in NCHA cutting, Ranch Horse Versatility and most recently Obstacle courses & Team Roping. 

A few years ago, Dale wanted to make a career change so that her passion was more reflected in her daily life. She had long held an interest in the possibility of equine massage. She discovered The Masterson Method reviews online the night before she was to commit to another equine massage program. Feeling as if that program wasn’t right for her or thorough enough in length and content, Dale did more research and attended a Masterson Method weekend seminar being held in Wisconsin, one month later. A conversation with the instructor has stayed with her & Dale knew this method of bodywork resonated with her:
“After a weekend of instruction & learning about the philosophy of Masterson Method, I had told the instructor, “ I will never approach a horse the same way.” whereupon the instructor said, “You will never approach life the same way. “ (Becky Tenges)  “

One month after the weekend seminar, Dale attended a 5-day course with Jim Masterson as the instructor in Texas. She enrolled in the fieldwork course shortly thereafter and obtained her certification in the fall of 2018.

I chose the Masterson Method program because I wanted my education (in bodywork) & preparation for my new equine career to be reflective of my passion for horses. MM is a rigorous and thorough program with quality of content, high standards, rigorous expectations.”

After riding performance horses in a variety of western disciplines, I am eager to provide relief from the demands and stress of training, traveling and competition. 

As a lifelong and avid hippophile 😊 (lover of the horse) and bodyworker, it is my goal to have a positive impact on the equine industry. It brings me joy to know that I am connecting with horses and their owners on a daily basis, improving the lives of horses by enhancing their sense of well-being as well as deepening the connection and communication between horse and owner.

Dale works on individual bodywork sessions as well as offering workshops to help fellow equestrians learn about the benefits of bodywork and what horse owner’s/trainers can do between bodywork sessions to enhance and prolong the benefits of bodywork. Dale also is available to offer bodywork services & demonstrations at equine events throughout Minnesota and the surrounding states of eastern Dakotas & western Wisconsin. You can find her services & stay connected through Facebook as: equi – motion, Performance Horse Bodywork. 


Phone: 218-821-0109

Gilly Prime MMCP
Burton on Trent UK

Gilly has always had a connection with horses and began riding at a local riding school at the age of seven. Purchased her own horse as soon as she started work and has own horses ever since. Competing in Show Jumping, Eventing and dressage at grassroots level.

Over time has become more interested in a more holistic approach to keeping horses and understanding their needs. Which lead her down the path to Marijke de Jong and Straightness Training, dressage through classical principles which has given her a through understanding of equine biomechanics and a deep understanding of how horses act as a horse.

Gilly discovered Masterson Method which fitted in the path she was now treading and began using the techniques on her own horse and loved the reactions and the connection with the horse. So inspired by the method Gilly went about becoming a certified practitioner.

Gilly’s main aim is to help horses and their owners. Giving the horses every chance of reaching its full potential and advising the owner what is needed going forward.

Phone: 07867538205


Gypsy Merritt
Yellingbo, Australia

Free to Move, Integrated Equine Bodywork
Masterson Method Certified Practitioner
Servicing Eastern Melbourne, The Yarra Valley, The Dandenong Ranges and surrounds.

I grew up in a family of body-workers and health care practitioners but never felt drawn to work on people, so I pursued a career in textile design. I loved horses and riding as a child and re-discovered horses in my 30’s, that passion soon became the focus of all my spare time. Over the years I met a number of different equine practitioners, practicing many different bodywork and healing techniques, and thought what a lovely way to make a living, help horses feel better and move more freely. As with many other Masterson Method practitioners, it was one horse in particular, my paint gelding Apache that motivated me to look for ways to help relieve his muscle and joint strain myself. When I found Jim Masterson’s Beyond Horse Massage Book I quickly realised it was something unique and valuable, after the first weekend workshop I was hooked, the results spoke for themselves and my journey to become an equine bodywork practitioner began.

As horse lovers, whether we ride competitively or for pleasure, we all want our horses to feel at their best. I believe bodywork is a big part of equine welfare and a great way to give back to your horses. My focus as I grow my equine bodywork business is to help all horses I treat have a happier pain free life and to help them enjoy the time they spend with us, as much as we enjoy them.


Phone: (61) 402707857
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, or   if you'd like to host your own weekend (earn your spot free OR earn the cash equivalent!) please email tamara@mastersonmethod.com .
USA Seminars

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31 taught by Jim Masterson
Nicasio, CA (Full)

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31
Boyds, MD (Full)

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31
Tryon, NC (Full)

Saturday, April 27 - Sunday, April 28
Coventry, CT (Full)

Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 5
Milo, IA (3 spots left)

Saturday, May 18 - Sunday, May 19
Alder, MT (Full)

Saturday, May 18 - Sunday, May 19
Beasley, TX (Full)

Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2

Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2

Saturday, June 22 - Sunday, June 23

Saturday, June 29 - Sunday, June 30
Sherwood, OR (Full)

Saturday, July 20 - Sunday, July 21

Saturday, July 27 - Sunday, July 28

Saturday, Aug. 10 - Sunday, Aug. 11

Saturday, Aug. 24 - Sunday, Aug. 25

Saturday, Sept. 14 - Sunday, Sept. 15

Saturday, Oct. 19 - Sunday, Oct. 20


Canada Seminars

Saturday, May 4 - Sunday, May 5, 2019

Saturday, May 11 - Sunday, May 12

Saturday, May 11 - Sunday, May 12
Cobourg, ON (Full)

Saturday, Sept. 28 - Sunday, Sept. 29
Europe Seminars

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31 (taught in German)

Saturday, April 6 - Sunday, April 7
Suffolk, UK (2 spots left)

Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19 (taught in English & Dutch)

Saturday, May 11 - Sunday, May 12 (taught in Polish)

Saturday, May 18 - Sunday, May 19 taught by Jim Masterson

Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26
taught by Jim Masterson

Saturday, May 25 - Sunday, May 26
(taught in Dutch)

Saturday, June 20 - Sunday, June 21 (taught in German) (Full)

Saturday, July 13 - Sunday, July 14

Saturday, Aug. 24 - Sunday, Aug. 25

Thursday, Oct. 3 - Friday, Oct. 4
(taught in German)

Saturday, Oct. 5 - Sunday, Oct. 6

Saturday, Oct. 26 - Sunday, Oct. 27
(taught in German)

Saturday, Oct. 26 - Sunday, Oct. 27


South Africa Seminars

Saturday, Nov. 23 - Sunday, Nov. 24
Masterson Method Equine Specialist Training
MMES Training Seminars

Friday, March 29 - Sunday, March 31 (Full)

Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28

Friday, May 31 - Sunday, June 2
(Full)

Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16
(1 spot left)

Friday, August 30 - Sunday, September 1
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics
Considering the Horse - Mind and Body
Collaborative Clinic with Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson

April 1 - 5 Blue Dot Farm
To register contact: dianneadel@gmail.com 415-847-6878

July 8 - 12 Happy Dog Ranch
To register contact: happydogranchco@gmail.com 303-915-8531

October 15 - 17 Horse Creek Farm

*Auditing is available, see link above for more information.
Your Horse's Brain: A User's Manual with
Dr. Steve Peters, Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson

Littleton, CO July 6 - 7, 2019 Happy Dog Ranch
To register contact Bernadette Spillane: bernadettespillane@gmail.com
Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule
USA Advanced Courses

Wellington, FL with Advanced Instructor Mary Last
Monday, April 8 - Friday, April 12, 2019

Arroyo Grande, CA with Advanced Instructor Sandy Vreeburg
Monday, April 29 - Friday, May 3, 2019

Cedarburg, WI with Advanced Instructor Becky Tenges
Monday, May 27 - Friday, May 31, 2019

Coatesville, IN with Advanced Instructor Coralie Hughes
Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26, 2019

Watsonville, CA with Advanced Instructor Sandy Vreeburg
Monday, September 23 - Friday, September 27, 2019

Tucson, AZ with Advanced Instructor Vanessa Helvey
Monday, October 28 - Friday, November 1, 2019


Europe Advanced Courses

Salisbury, UK with Jim Masterson
Monday, May 20 - Friday, May 24, 2019

Salisbury, UK #2 with Jim Masterson
Monday, May 27 - Friday, May 31, 2019 (Full)

Oxfordshire, UK with Jim Masterson
Monday, October 7 - Friday, October 11, 2019


Canada Advanced Courses

Fraser Valley, BC with Mark Fletcher
Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 17, 2019

Cobourg, ON with Mark Fletcher
Monday, May 27 - Friday, May 31, 2019

Fraser Valley, BC #2 with Mark Fletcher
Monday, September 30 - Friday, October 4, 2019
Certification Completion Course Schedule
Saturday, June 1 - Sunday, June 2

Saturday, June 15 - Sunday, June 16

Saturday, September 28 - Sunday, September 29

Saturday, October 12 - Sunday, October 13
Expos and Demos
NATRC Region 6 Convention March 23 with Brenda Messick
Beatrice, NE

Thorncroft Equestrian Center March 24 with Valissa Willwerth
Malvern, PA

Iowa Horse Fair March 29 - 31 with MMCP's Theresa Burns, Terri Haub, Martha Becker, and MMES Linda Allen
Des Moines, IA

Dallas Charity Horse Show April 11 - 13 with Dwayne Johnstone
Dallas, TX

Minnesota Horse Expo April 26 - 28 with Jim Masterson
St. Paul, MN

Spring Horse Show & Adoption Event May 4 with Dwayne Johnstone
Sanger, TX

Western States Horse Expo May 9 - 12 with Jim Masterson
Rancho Murieta, CA
Masterson Equine Services
641-472-1312