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No, that’s not me, but I am “On The Road Again” (sing it, Willie!).
Heading out to meet with our favorite publisher Caroline Robbins, and Managing Directors and Editors Martha Cook and Rebecca Didier (aka Thelma and Louise) at Trafalgar Square-Horse and Rider Books in Pomfret, VT. We were so lucky to find them when first looking for someone besides ourselves to publish Beyond Horse Massage back in … you know… two thousand something… (maybe that is me in the photo!)
It’s been a great relationship from the beginning. I’ve worked with Martha and Rebecca in the past at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts but haven’t been to their offices in Pomfret yet. It’ll be good to visit with them and to see where they do their amazing work.
Speaking of Equine Affaire in Springfield, Massachusetts (I have to spell that again?) I’ll be presenting there on Friday and Saturday November 9 and 10. It’s one of the largest if not the largest in the U.S., so if you also happen to be on the east coast, stop by and see me.
Well, there’s quite a bit going on with us but I’ll keep my part short as it’s hard to drive with one hand and type with the other… not! Natalie will fill you in on more below.
It seems that equine assisted services and therapies has come up a lot lately. Here’s a short list:
- Instructor Lise Lunde, MMCP, MMES, and Katie Fallon, MMES, were invited to present at the PATH Int'l National Conference. This is the 4th time Masterson Method® has been at the National Conference. In addition, there have been presentations at three Regional PATH conferences and Lise and Megan Dushin have co-presented at least once. This is turning out to be a healthy collaboration with this esteemed organization.
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- MMCP Mimi Duffy in Novato, CA hosts Project Hope, an EGALA-based equine therapy program for veterans. Mimi manages a herd of seventeen horses and ponies and veterans get together with them weekly to share. More info for interested veterans on their Facebook page.
- Will Friday, MMCP, is one of our Instructors in southern California who, among other things, works with veterans in the Equine Empowered Therapies program. We co-sponsor veterans with EET to participate in our Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminars. Will’s Seminar in July included three veterans in their program, and we’re looking to do more.
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- Students in our Field Work Program might recognize MMCP Bridget Kinnell (seen here in one of my favorite photos). | |
Bridget will be working with Mark Rashid Student Instructor Alex Cerc in a joint clinic at Wild Hearts Equine Therapy Center in Seneca, SC in November. This will be a Mark and Jim-style clinic with Alex providing horsemanship classes, and Bridget working on horses. A cool thing about these collaborations is the value the auditors get from observing different training or behavioral issues that often have physical discomfort or restriction components. | |
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Have to plug our upcoming Masterson Method Equine Specialist three-day course in February in New Forest UK. This will be our first overseas Equine Specialist training (see Calendar below).
And finally, Instructors Lise Lunde and Megan Dushin donated some yawns to the Save the Brays Donkey Rescue Open House in Milaca, MN. Donkeys need therapy too, ya’ know!
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Another thing that’s up this summer is Endurance.
The Tevis Cup is one of the most recognized, and most challenging Endurance rides in the U.S. The Masterson Method was present there this year, and Natalie has more on that below.
Also below, Endurance rider Amy Krazizky shares her experiences with Masterson Method and Endurance in Canada. She demonstrates that she’s not only a good rider, but a talented writer as well. Enjoy!
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Latest update on “The Dog Book”. I just got off the phone with Martha and she informed me that the first shipment of books may be there when we get to Pomfret tomorrow. That means if you pre-ordered, they’ll be arriving soon! I think I’ll grab a couple while I’m there.
Until next time,
Like me, Enjoy your horses (and dogs!)
Jim
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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, MMCP
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MMCP Tiffany Yetter with friends | |
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Here is Tiffany Yetter, MMCP, working with Ruth, a Montana Long Ear.
Russell and Bunny are waiting for their turns. This appears to be "Head Down" technique for both equine and practitioner!
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I am so thankful for the Masterson Method! I practice the Bladder Meridian every time I'm grooming my horse. And Coralie Hughes does the more in depth bodywork every month on him. Even if I don't always feel a major change when I'm riding him, I know it is also preventative and it's helping me build a deeper understanding of my horse and our connection. After Coralie has done her magic, he is much lighter in the bridle and is just lovely for my trainer. Ari (my horse) simply adores Coralie!
Deb Roccaforte
Here are some great photos of Coralie's Weekend Seminar in Coatesville, Indiana.
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) Program News | |
Welcome to our New MMES Practitioner | |
Kalin Finsand, MMCP, MMES
Pilot Hill, California
Indeed, my journey began when I started hearing of this individual who had developed a genuine method for reducing tension and soreness in the horse while benefiting performance and the relationship. Prior to finding Masterson Method® Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork, I felt my skills as a NBCAAM certified equine acupressurist and bodyworker were missing key pieces to truly validate the service I could offer.
When I first opened the pages of Jim’s book, I knew that I had landed where I needed to be to fulfill my goals of providing highly effective bodywork for my clients. The journey to become a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner has been enriching as I have developed strong connections with my mentors, coaches, and fellow students. The Masterson Method® techniques I have acquired are everything I was looking for to integrate with my eastern medicine acupressure education. My learning is ongoing as every new horse I meet teaches me more about lightness of touch, breath, and staying under the brace; tools that benefit all aspects of horsemanship.
As with many things, the more I learn, the more I realize I need to learn which led me to checking out the information video with Jim, Megan & Lise explaining the Masterson Method® Equine Specialist (MMES) course. Somewhere around 2.2 minutes into this short video I was hit big time that this was a path I needed to explore. Why? The MMES program takes Masterson Method® Bodywork to a whole new level when working with horses in their Equine-Assisted Service (EAS) facilities. Horses in EAS programs face significantly different challenges than performance horses. These horses work hard giving both physical and emotional support to people from all kinds of backgrounds. I enjoy sharing these simple equine bodywork techniques with EAS program staff, volunteers and participants to help the horses release tensions which concurrently helps the participant.
Whether competitive, recreational, retired or rehabilitating, bodywork can help your horse reach their optimum ability. My services are intended to help horses of all disciplines, breeds, and ages interact in the process of healing themselves, along with proper holistic veterinary care. I never tire of seeing the responses of both horse and owner when the horse begins to actively participate in their bodywork session. Located on the American River Divide my practice serves the Sacramento and Tahoe foothill region of Northern California. In order to allow your horse to be the most comfortable, I will come to your barn.
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Upcoming PATH Int'l Presentation
Lise Lunde, MMCP, MMES, and Katie Fallon, MMES, will present at PATH Int'l Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their presentation, "Ways to Use Equine Bodywork in Your Program to Benefit Horses and Humans", will be given October 27th. Check out the PATH Int'l Conference Page for more details.
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About the Masterson Method Equine Specialist Program
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 Page or contact the Program Coordinator at mmes@mastersonmethod.com.
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Equine Empowered Therapies Program | |
Light to the Core with MMCP Julie Steorts | |
MMCP and Instructor Julie Steorts recently taught a Light to the Core Seminar in Idaho at HAPI Trails Horse Adoption Program, Inc. Interested in attending an LTC Seminar in 2024? Check out the Light to the Core page on the website. | |
From our Canadian Cousins | |
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While it is still 2023, the new year will soon be upon us and we like to do our advertising early! Jim will be visiting our Canadian contingent at the end of March in Alberta, Canada. Amy Krazizky, the author of the article, "Unlocking Endurance Horse Potential," will be presenting at this mini-conference, as will Josh Nichol...and more! We'll keep you posted on the exact dates and location in upcoming Newsletters.
Here is the beginning of the article...click the button to read more.
As an avid rider and now competitor in endurance races, I've always strived to improve my performance and strengthen the bond with my horse. In my quest for success, I realized that focusing solely on physical conditioning and nutrition wasn't enough. I sought a deeper understanding of my horse's emotional well-being, tension release, and self-regulation. This led me to integrate the Masterson Method® Bodywork into my training routine....
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Save the Brays Donkey Rescue | |
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Open House
Their mission is to "rescue donkeys in need, provide them with the necessary rehabilitation, training, and care, and find them safe and loving permanent homes.”
This is our 2nd visit to the small town of Milaca in Minnesota (literally half way between Lise and I). We were so honored to be invited to donate our time for the cause. They raised $5,000 and had several hundred people show up! It was very well attended. Met some wonderful people, including familiar faces from the Masterson Method world (WS and/or Demo students).
Megan Dushin, MMCP, MMES
Save the Brays Donkey Rescue Facebook Page
Megan Dushin Equine Bodywork Facebook Page
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Center photo - Lise. Photo above right - Megan and friends. | |
MMCPs Participate in the Tevis Cup | |
Artwork from Fairfield, Iowa | |
"After the Storm" by Jo Bartruff | |
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.
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Naomi Leach, MMCP
Northamptonshire, UK
I have been a horsemanship trainer and instructor for many years now and it is truly my passion to help people and their horses understand each other, and build a lasting relationship based on trust and connection. As my knowledge grew, I realized I was missing a key part of the puzzle, not only is it important to release the horse’s mental tension, but their physical tension too.
After attending a three-day clinic with Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid I came away eager to learn more, and signed up for the two-day course. From there I knew this was something I wanted to bring into my professional career.
I am now excited to offer both bodywork and horsemanship, separately or alongside each other, to help my clients and their horses with their individual needs.
I cover areas within an hour of my base in Rushden, Northamptonshire, but I often travel to other locations around the UK for a day or two at a time. Please check my Facebook page for details or contact me to organize one for yourself!
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Tori Miller, MMCP
Outwood, Surrey, UK
Being with horses has been one of the few things that has ever come naturally to me. After years of riding lessons, I finally got my own pony after happily sacrificing some savings that were supposed to be for my future. Looking back now it feels like that was just a good investment, even if it’s taken me a bit of a roundabout way to get here!
I was never competitive and Pony Club wasn’t for me; I was going to be a “horse whisperer” or stunt rider …as it turns out I became neither but everything happens for a reason, right? I just always wanted to do my best, and help my pony be the best he could. That approach has never left me. When I was introduced to the Masterson Method® it was like finding the missing part of the puzzle. When I practice, I have never felt more where I should be.
At the moment I’m still working to transition from the day job, but if you’re based within 30 miles of RH1 in Surrey, Sussex or Kent and would like me to visit your horses, please get in touch and I would love to visit you if I can.
Gehælan: to heal, comfort, make whole (Old English)
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Jenn Vereshack, MMCP
Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
Jenn Vereshack has been a horse lover since she began riding at the age of 8 at Sunnybrook Stables in Toronto, Canada. Currently, she is a provider of integrated equine services including Masterson Method bodywork, Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) therapy, and saddle fit services.
Jenn has a diverse educational background and work history which enriches her approach to supporting animals and the people who love them. She attended the Ontario College of Art in Toronto (now OCAD) before deciding to pursue a BA in Psychology at York University where she won an award for a short film she wrote and another for an essay that was later published by the school.
While at YU, Jenn worked at the Community Association for Riders with Disabilities in Toronto, first as a riding instructor and then as the Equestrian Assistant to the Executive Director. She graduated from university with Distinction and went on to receive the Dean’s Medal from George Brown College for academics and for the application of course principles in the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate Program. After graduating, she worked as a counsellor for abused women and children in shelters for many years.
While pursuing her education and career goals, Jenn continued to develop her riding skills both in private coaching and clinic settings. Through the course of certifying as an Equine Ergonomist through Saddlefit 4 Life, as a PEMF practitioner, and more recently, as a Masterson Method® practitioner she has become increasingly focused on equine health and welfare.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Jenn is currently working towards her International Diploma at the London College of Animal Osteopathy. She chose the Equine/Canine stream of osteopathy because of its congruence with the Masterson Method®.
It is important to Jenn that her ongoing education continues to build upon the animal-centered foundations that began with Masterson and other excellent organizations. In this way she can provide increasingly enriched services while continuing to enhance her hands-on skills.
She lives in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada.
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Patty Hall, MMCP
Boise, Idaho
Horses have been a part of my life since I was a very little girl that wandered away from our yard to go down the street where a breeder of amazing Arabian horses had several pastured. I only wanted to be with them and I waited outside the fence line until they would get curious and come see me. I learned to ride jumpers as a young girl and my first horse came to me when I was 12 and she was 7 and we did 4H and local shows riding English and Western and lots of crazy fun things that young girls do with their horses. I was fortunate to have gotten a sweet filly from my mare that spent her entire 25 years of life with me. I do so wish that I could have given them the Masterson gift!
While always riding in my free time, I spent most of my career as a collateral auditor in banking. This work tuned me in closely to listening to people and reading what they were trying to tell me through their words and body language as I toured facilities and examined records and spoke to owners, executives and employees in all types of businesses. I learned to look deeper and not simply accept the first explanation given as to why there might be a problem or where it may be. This skill set translates so well to the work I do with the horses as I seek to understand and read their body language and what they are telling me as we work together. Curiosity is key. I’ve become a bit of an anatomy geek and will always be a humble student of the horse.
I discovered Masterson Method® in a book written by Mark Rashid as I was looking to find a better connection with a gelding I own that had come out of difficult situation. After studying the Masterson website and watching lots of Jim’s videos I asked for the BHM book and DVD for Christmas. I experimented with my 2 horses and saw the amazing benefits. I then began down the path of Masterson study through the weekend course, 5-day, fieldwork and certification as an MMCP in 2023 and it’s been a fascinating beginning to this ride!
Along with being an avid mountain trail rider, I am venturing into working equitation with my own horses and I live in an area with horses that compete in dressage, eventing, reining, rodeo events, as well as trail horses and mustangs from the BLM corrals we have locally. There are lots of hunting/pack animals that head deep into the mountains and work hard for a few weeks each year. I’ve been amazed at how the Masterson work speaks to every horse in some significant way for that animal on that day, no matter what their job is and it is so incredible to be a part of that!
My business, Touch-N-Go Equine Performance Bodywork, LLC serves Boise and the Treasure Valley and surrounding areas in Idaho. Travel to other areas can be arranged as well.
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Phone: 859-462-0611
Email: patty.hall@dtbr.net
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Interested in taking a course? Here are a few testimonials that might convince you!
You are going to learn how to truly listen to a horse, reading the horse’s body language in a way you have not done before. It will open the door to a true conversation - all to assist the horse in releasing tension in his body. It’s a super honest and satisfying process for both horse and practitioner.
(Weekend Seminar)
The five-day class gives students the opportunity to learn and solidify the techniques while building confidence in a safe, enjoyable environment.
Demonstrations, hands-on practice on multiple horses, and instructor feedback make learning the techniques easy.
(Advanced 5-Day Course)
Eye opening! Less is more is demonstrated so well.
(Light to the Core Seminar)
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Weekend Seminar-Workshop Schedule | | |
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USA 2023 Courses
August 19-20 Portola Valley, CA
August 19-20 Callaway, MD
August 26-27 Fort Collins, CO
September 2-3 Custer, SD
September 2-3 Las Vegas, NV
September 9-10 Kiowa, CO
September 9-10 Portola Valley
September 16-17 Mooresville, NC
September 16-17 Redmond, WA
September 16-17 Dickson, TN
September 16-17 Solvang, CA
September 23-24 Houston, TX
September 30-October 1
Norton Shores, MI
October 7-8 McHenry, IL
October 7-8 Lyons, GA
October 7-8 Fort Collins, CO
October 14-15 Salado, TX
October 14-15 Thompson's Station, TN
October 14-15 Pipersville, PA
October 14-15 Fort Wayne, IN
October 19-20 Twin Buttes, ND
(Thursday-Friday course)
October 21-22 Knoxville, IA
October 21-22 Fayette, MO
October 21-22 Lothian, MD
October 27-28 Cleveland, NC
October 28-29 Freeville, NY
October 28-29 Litchfield, ME
October 28-29 Perryville, AR
November 4-5 Kalispell, MT
November 4-5 West Fulton, NY
November 11-12 Youngsville, NC
November 11-12 Benton, MO
December 2-3 Ceres, CA
December 9-10 Tucson, AZ
US 2024 Courses
January 13-14 Sherwood, OR
January 20-21 Perryville, MO
January 28-29 Wellington, FL
February 17-18 Ocala, FL
February 24-25 Watsonville, CA
April 14-15 Koloa, HI
Canada 2023 Courses
August 26-27 Château-Richer, QC
(in French)
September 23-24 Paquetville, NB
(in French)
September 30-October 1
Calgary, AB
September 30-October 1
Millgrove, ON
October 8-9 Richmond, QC
(in French)
October 14-15 Kelowna, BC
October 21-22 Langley, BC
October 21-22 Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu, QC (in French)
October 21-22 Amaranth, ON
Canada 2024 Courses
March 30-31 Calgary, AB
May 4-5 Arnprior, ON
June 1-2 Puslinch, ON
June 15-16 Calgary, AB
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Asia 2023 Courses
October 28-29 Chiba, Japan
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
September 2-3 Napier, NZ
September 9-10 Elimbah, AU
September 23-24 Dunedin, NZ
September 25-26 Dunedin, NZ
October 14-15 Victoria, AU
European 2023 Courses
September 2-3 Egestorf, Germany
(in German)
September 7-8 Ruinerwold, NL
(in Dutch)
September 9-10 Tübingen-Pfrondorf, DE (in German)
September 16-17 Ouwerkerk, NL
(in Dutch)
September 16-17 Brockenhurst, UK
September 23-24 Orcemont, FR
(in French)
September 23-24 Aẞlar-Oberlemp, DE
(in German)
October 7-8 Braňany, Czech Republic (in Czech)
October 7-8 Terradelles, Spain
(in English with Spanish translation)
October 14-15 Rzeszyce, PL
(in Polish)
October 21-22 Vorden, NL
(in Dutch)
October 21-22 Frickingen, DE
(in German)
October 21-22 Pompignan, FR
(in French)
October 28-29 Emkendorf, Germany
(in German)
November 11-12 Szajk, Hungary
(in English w/ Hungarian translation)
European 2024 Courses
March 16-17 Oberhausen, Austria
(in German with English translation)
March 23-24 Krupá, Czech Republic
(in Czech)
May 18-19 Pardubickỳ kraj, Czech Republic (in Czech)
June 8-9 Graz, Austria
(in German with English translation)
Middle East 2023 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
South Africa 2023 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | |
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USA 2023 Advanced Courses
September 3-7 West Linn, OR with Beckie Haynes
September 18-22 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
September 25-29 Ooltewah, TN with Kathy Tow
October 2-6 Coatesville, IN with Coralie Hughes
October 9-13 Callaway, MD with Khrystynna Hunsinger
October 23-27 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
November 6-10 Austin, TX with Becky Tenges
November 27-December 1 Youngsville, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
December 4-8 Las Vegas, NV with Sandy Vreeburg
USA 2024 Advanced Courses
January 8-12 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
March 18-22 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
European 2023/2024 Advanced Courses
August 21-25 Aßlar-Oberlemp, Germany with Walter Saxe (in German)
September 18-22 New Milton, Hampshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
October 4-8 Konstanz, Germany with Silvia Hamm (in German)
October 16-20 Egestorf, Germany with Walter Saxe (in German)
April 17-21, 2024 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
Canada 2023 Advanced Courses
August 21-25 Calgary, AB with Lori Hoppe
Canada 2024 Advanced Courses
May 6-10 Cobourg, ON with Lori Hoppe
September 2-6 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
October 16-20 Victoria, AU with Vicky Devlin
October 23-27 Elimbah, QLD, AU with Vicky Devlin
November 24-28 Rotorua, NZ with Nadine Vollmerg
South Africa 2023 Courses
(Check back for upcoming Advanced 5-day Courses)
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Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | | |
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USA 2023/2024 Courses
August 26-27 Fort Wayne, IN
September 23-24 Vass, NC
October 29-30 West Linn, OR
November 13-14 Lakewood, CA
December 2-3 Vass, NC
February 10-11 Wellington, FL
June 22-23 Victor, ID
European 2023 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Canada 2023 Courses
September 3-4 Saint-François-Xavier-de-Brompton, QC
(in French)
September 9-10 Acton, ON
September 16-17
Campbell River, BC
October 14-15 Campbellcroft, ON
Canada 2024 Courses
April 20-21 Calgary, AB
May 4-5 Rockwood, ON
June 8-9 Ascot Corner, QC
(in French)
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | |
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | |
Masterson Method Expos and Demos | |
"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
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THE MASTERSON METHOD®
641-472-1312
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