November 2024 Equine Newsletter | |
|
Hello All,
All quiet here on the western front (Central Coast, California). I've had a nice month at our B&B on the hill in Arroyo Grande; doing a couple of clinics, working on a few local horses to keep in practice, a little riding and spending some time down at the ocean.
| |
As reported, last month had another successful clinic with Mark Rashid at Big Horse Ranch here in Arroyo Grande. | |
Anyone interested in functional biomechanics should take her magical courses. | |
Helping Jillian to demonstrate TMJ movement | |
Then I assisted Instructor Amelia Nalli for day two of her Light to the Core course also at (you guessed it) Big Horse Ranch. | |
|
BTW, Amelia will be teaching another Light to the Core course on February 8th and 9th in nearby Santa Maria, CA.
You may have noticed that Big Horse Ranch hosts a lot of clinics this time of year. Check out their website next spring and summer for the fall clinic season. https://bighorselove.com/
Other exciting news
In Novato, CA, Instructor Sandy Vreeberg and MMCP Mimi Duffy taught our first Masterson Method Youth Course this month. This is a one-day clinic designed for all types of youth equestrian groups and clubs.
https://mastersonmethod.com/teaching-the-masterson-method-to-youth-groups/
It all started when Mimi introduced the Bladder Meridian to her Pony Club students. The next sign that something was about to happen was at the 2021 US Pony Club Festival where Mimi’s students showed over 70 Pony Clubbers how to do the Bladder Meridian Technique as a way for them to help their ponies release tension that might be inhibiting movement and to create awareness of what’s going on in their bodies.
And now the pilot Masterson Method Youth Course has been taught and is a success, so look for more about this program becoming available in the newsletter and on our website. Congratulations Sandy, Mimi, and the USPC Sierra Pacific Region Pony Clubbers!
Read more of Sandy Vreeberg’s thoughts and insights on horses and life in her blog below.
MMES
In San Diego, Masterson Method Equine Specialist Laura Spielman has connected with the US Navy to provide Masterson Method equine assisted learning activities for service members in the Pacific Fleet. The pilot program has been successful with the Navy and we are looking to expand it to other branches of the military. I can’t say enough about Laura’s dedication to our service men and women and to making this happen. See and hear more from Laura about this very worthwhile program below.
Thanks to all of our veterans and service members for keeping our country strong and safe… Really!
Read more about MMCPs and MMESs making an impact and paying forward farther down.
Expos
This just in, I’ll be at the 2025 Horse Expo Canada in Red Deer, Alberta April 26-28. What with travel restrictions and all, it’s been a while since I’ve been to Canada and I’m looking forward to it.
Alert #1: I will be getting together with Canadian MMCPs and Fieldwork Students for a Canadian MMCP Gathering (April 24-25) the two days before the Expo. Location will be in the MMCP Newsletter in December, but save the dates!
I’ll also be at Equitana in Essen, Germany March 6-8, 2025. Grab your ticket now!
Another Alert: I will be getting together with EU and UK MMCPs and Field Work students for a Gathering the day before the Expo, March 5. More info on the EU trip in the MMCP Newsletter in December!
Podcast from Down Under
I had a fun chat with Australian 3-day eventing trainer Charlie Brister last month. Have a listen farther down. Throw some shrimp on the barbie, grab a pint, hit the listen button and Bob’s yer uncle!
One more thing
Somebody mentioned to me that my buddy Patrick King Horsemanship (his real name is just Patrick King) has a FREE learning Relax and Reset Challenge going on right now that focuses on the connecting value of relaxation in training. This couple of months that I’m spending in Arroyo Grande has given me time and space to relax and reset. Extend this to you and your horse by checking out his challenge here.
https://www.academyforclassicalhorsemanship.com/relax-reset-challenge
Back in California
Here until December, then back to the Midwest for a fun winter.
| |
Fall shower in California... | |
...Fall shower in the Midwest! | |
|
Until next month,
like me, enjoy your horses
Jim
| |
From today through December 2nd, you can enjoy 20% off select DVD and streaming videos and discover new ways to connect with your horse. Find the perfect video to support you and your horse's needs, from fundamental Masterson Method techniques to specialized insights. | |
|
Beyond Horse Massage
This is essential viewing if you're preparing for a Weekend Course or are keen to learn the foundational techniques. Includes 80 minutes of content, including Jim demonstrating a complete bodywork session.
| |
|
Light to the Core
Discover subtle, gentle bodywork that can profoundly affect the deepest interconnections of the horse’s body. Over 2 hours of video content, using 3D graphics and details where Light Touch can be most effective.
| |
|
Hands Online: Bodywork Session Reviews
Get an inside look at how Jim addresses a range of breeds, disciplines, and case studies. Watch as he works with horses facing mystery hind-end issues, sacroiliac and other joint restrictions, laminitis, and more.
| |
|
Hands Online: Technique Breakdowns
This video will help you work through any challenges and provide insight into the underlying reasons behind behaviors you might encounter with your horse.
NB: Please check the prerequisites before purchasing this video.
| |
|
A Mind Like Still Water
This award-winning documentary follows two women who attend a collaborative clinic with Mark Rashid and Jim in the hope of learning new techniques to improve their horses. They discover it’s not about learning ways to change their horses' performances or behaviors, but about transforming their own lives.
| |
Additional Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale! | |
|
Additional Black Friday Special!
This year, we’re offering an exclusive deal to help you deepen your understanding of the MM. When you sign up for one of our upcoming Courses, you’ll receive complimentary access to our newly updated Home Study Course (a $179.95 value). This applies to the Weekend Course, LTC, MMES and the Advanced 5-Day Course!
Already own the HSC? Great news! We’ve added fresh, updated content - be sure to log in and check out the new material designed to enhance your skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your bodywork practice to the next level.
Sale is on courses purchased Black Friday to Cyber Monday,
Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 2024
| |
|
Sandy Vreeburg is a mainstay at The Masterson Method. She has been an
MMCP since 2014 and a Masterson Method instructor since 2017. We're lucky to have her as one of our "herd" leaders, as she gives her time and energy graciously and supports whomever she is with - other MMCPs at a gathering, students in a course, or office mates in a meeting. We're pleased that she is sharing this blog post with you, and us...
"Success Through Softening, Yielding, and Observing the Horse"
"Soften, yield, and observe the subtlest responses of the horse. These practices are the foundation of The Masterson Method®. There are layers and layers of subtleties built within those three foundational words. Fine-tuning them is imperative to be successful as a Masterson Method learning journey."
| |
|
Laura Spielman, an MMES in San Diego, has begun a program working with the U.S. Navy at Laughing Pony Rescue and Sanctuary, and we are now on our 5th week of this incredible program. The program was created by Laura and Jim working directly with the Naval office in San Diego to figure out the best way to create a successful experience for both horses and participants. Lise Lunde, Laura, and Amelia Nalli were all in attendance for the first session and the program has been incredibly beneficial for the sailors as they have described the mornings as the most relaxing of their entire week.
| |
|
The sailors have learned the Bladder Meridian technique and have formed very special bonds with the horses they work with each week. The Bladder Meridian technique is helping them build confidence, trust in each other, trust in themselves, communication, and how to regulate their emotions. They have said that they are really learning a lot about themselves, as well as their equine
partners.
We are hoping to expand the program to other branches of the military, as well as first responders.
| |
|
MMCPs are our best example for showing how the Masterson Method works.
Sandy Benson and Karen Evans gave demos at the New Mexico State Fair in mid-September. They did a great job of getting their audience "hooked while they're young!"
| |
"The owner and Karen need to find a stepladder to work with Jack!!" | |
|
"New Technique:
5+ Hands Forehead Release"
| |
|
Instructor Stephanie Pfitzer, MMCP, MMES, recently taught an MMES course in Lovettsville, Virginia at the end of October and had this to say on her Facebook post: "Ride on Ranch is an incredible equine service program and it was a joy watching those who were there to learn give a gift to the horses that give so much to their community. A special thank you to the dynamic duo, Autumn and Charli, who hosted the course and simply made the weekend so very special and truly over the top attention and care."
Stephanie also thanked the horses, students, "hostess with the mostest" Ann Marie, and assistants Lauren, Pat and Helen.
| |
|
MMCP Todd James at Hands for Horses in Australia shows how the Masterson Method Magic works! We love to share these success stories.
There are some wonderful videos on Todd's Facebook page - check them out.
Great work, Todd!
| |
Jim's Most Recent Podcast | |
|
Charlie Brister of Brister Equestrian is an all-round horseman and Eventer based in Australia, and the regular host of Equestrian Hub Podcast. On the most recent podcast, Jim and Charlie discuss hosting clinics and common issues that Jim sees working with these horses, Jim’s early life growing up on an airbase in the Philippines, his first pony and why he doesn’t work on people!
| |
New 2025 Read & Release Course | |
|
Instructors are working on their calendars for Equine and Canine courses and we have just posted the first Read & Release course on the website for 2025!
Join Amelia in January and give your pooch some New Year pleasure.
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. CT January 11, 18, 25 with Amelia Nalli
(only 2 spots available)
All courses are scheduled in Central Time Zone, occur on zoom, and last approximately 2 hours. If a course sold out, send a message to dog@mastersonmethod.com to add your name to the waiting list.
| |
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 Masterson Method Website to find the closest practitioner to you.
You will find New Practitioners listed here as well as a few who are updating their information. Let us know if you need help finding an MMCP in your area.
| |
|
Patty Roberto, MMCP
Southport, North Carolina
As with most of my colleagues, it was love at first sight when it came to horses. I’ve owned, showed, trail rode. But life with horses was expensive and time consuming, so is a family and all that goes with raising them. I took a long break from riding for many years then saw a sign asking for volunteers for a handicapped program…
| |  |
|
Rachel Toquothty, MMCP
Chesterfield, Virginia
Rachel is a lifelong horsewoman who began riding at the age of 5. As a child she was active in Pony Club and 4-H. She also competed in hunter shows both at the local level and at A rated shows.
Rachel found the Masterson Method® as a way to help her own horses initially. She was particularly drawn to the fact that the horse is an active participant in this and that this Method is something that you do with the horse, rather than to the horse.
| | |
|
Gail Ritter, MMCP
London, UK
Gail first learned of The Masterson Method® when she was searching for a way to help her anxious and reactive mare feel more relaxed, confident, and comfortable in her body. Beginning with one of Jim’s online videos, then working her way through the book “Beyond Horse Massage,” Gail was amazed by the depth of communication and level of relaxation that can be achieved by following the cues of the horse and using a very light touch.
| | |
|
Tori Gillott, MMCP
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Tori began her connection with horses as a small child. Learning to ride early on was a blessing. Growing up on a large horse farm and experiencing the work involved was a luxury she didn’t realize. Showing, eventing, pony club rallies, and fox hunting was just part of it. The best part was sleeping in the stall (when allowed), riding ponies bareback in halters in open fields...
| | |
|
Catherine Lapointe, MMCP
Vilanova y la Geltru, Spain
Like most of you, my love for horses started as a kid, riding horses at the local horse-riding academy. I was spending all my weekends, together with my best friend, riding and caring for the horses. Somehow, life got in the way, and horses were not part of it for many, many years.
After the birth of my second child, I started riding again and my passion was revived!
| | |
|
Laura Jayne Leaven, MMCP
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Laura, originally from England, has cultivated a unique career that intertwines her passion for equine rehabilitation with her dedication to equine wellness and instructing.
| | |
Newly Certified Equine Specialists | |
|
Our Certified Equine Specialists have worked through an abbreviated certification program designed to be accessible and relevant for equine-assisted services (EAS) professionals and volunteers. The MMES can volunteer to offer simple bodywork to EAS horses and/or partner with their EAS program to co-facilitate a new equine-assisted learning activity, such as the Bladder Meridian Technique, as a means for participants to “give back to the horse” while also creating connection.
Follow this link to search for Specialists in your area: MMES Map
| |
|
Marja Kuhl, MMES, MMCP
Wittingen, Germany
Hallo und willkommen,
Ich bin Marja Kuhl und lebe im Landkreis Gifhorn in Niedersachsen / Deutschland und bin seit April 2024 sowohl Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Equine (MMCP), als auch Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES).
Hello and welcome,
I am Marja Kuhl and since April 2024 I am both Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Equine (MMCP) and Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES).
| | |
|
Laura Spielman, MMES
La Jolla, California
I grew up always loving animals of all sorts. I rode a bit as a child but no more than any other girl who one day dreamed of having a farm and being Snow White. During a challenging time in my life someone suggested I go to a workshop in Morgan Hill, California, called The Circle Up Experience. She mentioned it was “equine based” and all I could think of was “great, I love horses”.
| | |
|
"The Masterson Method is the perfect way for almost anyone to help their horse.
In this course you will learn basic techniques that you can start using on other horses and help them right away."
Weekend Course Student Testimonial
| | |
|
USA 2024-2025 Courses
West
November 23-24 San Miguel, CA
December 7-8 Tucson, AZ
January 25-26, 2025 Watsonville, CA
February 8-9, 2025 Tucson, AZ
March 29-30, 2025 Solvang, CA
April 12-13, 2025 Tucson, AZ
April 27-28, 2025 Koloa, HI
May 3-4, 2025 Waikoloa, HI
May 3-4, 2025 Sedalia, CO
May 31-June 1, 2025 Penn Valley, CA
June 21-22, 2025 Victor, ID
Southwest
February 22-23, 2025 Bryan, TX
Midwest
April 12-13, 2025 Byron, MN
April 19-20, 2025 Milo, IA
May 24-25, 2025 Pequot Lakes, MN
June 7-8, 2025 Milo, IA
October 11-12, 2025 Milo, IA
Northeast
April 12-13, 2025 Circleville, NY
Southeast
November 30-December 1 Cleveland, TN
February 15-16, 2025 Vero Beach, FL
March 22-23, 2025 Leesburg, VA
May 17-18, 2025 Leesburg, VA
May 17-18, 2025 Ooltewah, TN
Canada 2025 Courses
British Columbia
March 29-30, 2025 Rosedale, BC
Alberta
June 21-22, 2025 Calgary, AB
Saskatchewan
June 7-8, 2025 Aberdeen, SK
Ontario
(check back for upcoming courses)
Quebec
April 19-20, 2025 Grand-Remous, QC
(in French)
April 26-27, 2025 Sainte-Clotilde-de-Beauce, QC (in French)
May 10-11, 2025 Rouyn-Noranda, QC
(in French)
August 23-24, 2025 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
August 31-September 1, 2025 St-Honoré-de-Chicoutimi, QC (in French)
| | |
|
European 2024-2025 Courses
Austria
March 22-23, 2025 Oberhausen, AT
(in English with German translation)
Czech Republic
March 8-9, 2025 Svoboda nad Úpou, CZ
(in Czech)
September 20-21, 2025 Bošilec, CZ
(in Czech)
Denmark
(check back for upcoming courses)
France
(check back for upcoming courses)
Germany
November 30-December 1 Willingen, DE (in German)
March 22-23, 2025 Egestorf, DE
(in German)
Netherlands
February 8-9, 2025 Ommen, NL
(in Dutch)
Poland
April 12-13, 2025 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
June 14-15, 2025 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
Slovakia
May 17-18, 2025 Ratnovce, SK
(in Czech)
United Kingdom
November 23-24 Horley, UK
March 29-30, 2025 Horley, UK
April 26-27, 2025 Shillington, Bedfordshire, UK
Australia 2025 Courses
Australia
March 1-2, 2025 Mount George, SA, AU
March 29-30, 2025 Elimbah, QLD, AU
April 26-27, 2025 Tynong, VIC, AU
May 24-25, 2025 Glenreagh, NSW, AU
July 5-6, 2025 North Arm, QLD, AU
July 19-20, 2025 Bees Creek, NT, AU
August 30-31, 2025 Baddaginnie, VIC, AU
September 27-28, 2025 Arthurs Creek, VIC, AU
September 27-28, 2025 North Arm, QLD, AU
New Zealand
(check back for upcoming courses)
Africa 2025 Courses
South Africa
(check back for upcoming courses)
Asia 2025 Courses
Japan
April 5-6, 2025 Chiba, JP (in English)
| |
Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | |
|
"I can’t say enough great things about the Masterson Method courses. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, helpful and full of passion. Their love for what they do is contagious. You will walk away loving horses even more and will be a better owner and advocate."
Advanced 5-Day Course Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Advanced Courses
March 10-14, 2025 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
March 10-14, 2025 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
March 24-28, 2025 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
April 21-25, 2025 Adams, TN with Kathy Tow
June 2-6, 2025 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
June 23-27, 2025 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
Canada 2025 Advanced Courses
May 5-9, 2025 Cobourg, ON with Lori Hoppe
May 26-30, 2025 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
August 18-22, 2025 Calgary, AB with Lori Hoppe
September 15-19, 2025 Langley, BC with Lori Hoppe
October 6-10, 2025 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
Australia & New Zealand 2024 Courses
November 25-29 Christchurch, NZ with Nadine Vollmerg
European 2025 Advanced Courses
April 9-13, 2025 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
May 31-June 4, 2025 Egestorf, DE with Walter Saxe (in German)
UK 2024/2025 Advanced Courses
November 25-29 Horley, UK with Vicky Devlin
March 31-April 4, 2025 Horley, UK with Vicky Devlin
April 28-May 2, 2025 Langford, Bedfordshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
| |
Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | |
|
"If you are passionate about wanting to help horses or are looking to be able to form a deeper connection with your own horse, this is the course for you."
LTC Student Testimonial
| | |
|
USA 2024-2025 Courses
November 23-24 Sophia, NC
February 8-9, 2025 Santa Maria, CA
April 26-27, 2025 Coatesville, PA
April 26-27, 2025 Clayton, WA
May 10-11, 2025 Leesburg, VA
UK 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
| | |
|
Canada 2025 Courses
May 3-4, 2025 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
October 18-19, 2025 Langley, BC
European 2024 Courses
November 16-17 Rzęszyce, PL
(in English with Polish translation)
| |
Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | |
|
"Every horse owner should at least learn the bladder meridian. But every EAS facility NEEDS to be providing this to their horses. No horse works harder."
Equine Specialist Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Courses
March 21-23, 2025 Richmond, IL
May 12-14, 2025 Montrose, CO
June 20-22, 2025 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
European 2025 Courses
February 15-17, 2025 New Forest, UK
| |
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | |
Masterson Method Expos and Demos | |
Masterson Method Canine Courses | |
|
Read and Release 2025 Course Dates
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. CT January 11, 18, 25 with Amelia Nalli
(only 2 spots available)
All courses are scheduled in Central Time Zone, occur on zoom, and last approximately 2 hours. If a course sold out, send a message to dog@mastersonmethod.com to add your name to the waiting list.
| |
Masterson Method Office Info | |
THE MASTERSON METHOD®
641-472-1312
| |
|
| | | |
