Hello All,
Back in town. Catching up. Writing a Newsletter. A lot’s happened since last time we spoke/wrote/read. The biggest news is that Europe is still there. It’s been three years since my last pint in the UK, and four since my last schnitzel in Germany. I can report now that all’s well there. Spirits are still up, and thing’s are running smoothly - at least for horse people. Below are a few photos of the trip, and Natalie has created a larger album farther down.
First stop was the Equitana Horse Expo in Essen, Germany. Seven huge exhibition halls, nine days of clinics, demos, forums, shopping, and horses and trainers from every conceivable discipline. Advanced Instructor Walter Saxe and I were scheduled to survive three days doing demos, forums and signing books (I’m a legend in my own mind). Fortunately, the Guiness stand was still there and we did survive.
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As Equitana’s arguably the largest horse expo in the world, we were fortunate to have on hand many of our MMCPs and Instructors in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and France. Thank you all for your help. |
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After Equitana, we held an EU MMCP Educational Day demonstrating, eating, drinking and catching up with upwards of 60 Masterson Method Certified Practitioners and Fieldwork students at a beautiful facility nearby. |
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"Oops - how did he get in there?" |
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Chaja did an excellent job of keeping us busy there.
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Special thanks to photographer Cora Sens for these wonderful photographs (and more below). |
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"Hey! Give me a break. It was a long day." |
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Then on to another amazing facility in Vorden, Netherlands where another amazing MM Instructor (what can I say - we have an amazing group of people!) Lucie Klaassen organized another two-hour demo for a group of horse-people there.
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(see story and more photos from Lucie below)
In addition to all of these ( amazing) people who organized these ( amazing) facilities , I also have to thank (a mazing) Advanced Instructor Masja Fick, who kept us organized and on the move. It was a… m…agical experience! |
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In between all of this, Overseas Manager Vicky Devlin and I were able to meet and mix with Coaches and Mentors in our Certification program. All of this before hopping in the car and shooting back across Europe (2 hours) to the airport in Dusseldorf to hop on a plane to the UK for another demo at Emily Baker’s (I’m not going to say it, but it was) ______zing Dovecote Stables in Oxfordshire. (check out their Facebook Page)
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We’ve been doing Courses there with Emily for years, but it’s also been years (three) since I’ve seen her, so this - and the whole trip – was especially… special.
Not to try to top that, but after that, was able to spend two more days at an MM educational conference with UK and EU MMCPs held at the Unicorn Trust Equestrian Center. The Unicorn is a non-profit organization in Gloucestershire
(pr. glustshr). It’s more than amazing. If you don’t believe me check their website.
Hostess Sydney Smith hosted us for our educational conference three years ago. It’s a wonderful place and Sydney’s a wonderful hostess. Can’t wait to do it again. Thank you again, Sydney.
We had presentations on dental balance from Natural Balance dentist Josh Milburn:
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Lessons in correct (and relaxed) movement in the horse from trainer Dan Wain - student of Manolo Mendez in Australia and the UK: |
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MM for performance horses from our own Walter Saxe, and more bodywork demos from that guy from Iowa. |
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And generally a lot of catching up and a little bit of fun. |
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Eating, drinking AND being merry! |
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Another great photo by Cora Sens of Jim, Masja and Vicky. |
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Well, that’s what I’ve been doing, but there’s a lot of other stuff going on behind my back, I mean, without me:
Earlier this year our first Weekend Seminars were taught in Japan by MM Instructor, Tomoko Sembongi.
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While I was away our Instructor in Australia, Emma Young, taught her first Weekend Seminar there. (She said it was a…wesome!)
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Back home now and Trafalgar Square Books and I are bouncing the “dog book” back and forth for final tweaks that will result in the Beyond Dog Massage book coming out in June. And it will be woof woof! (amazing)
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And we’re scheduling more of our new Light to the Core Seminar-Workshops in the U.S., Canada, and for the first time in the UK with Vicky Devlin (who, although she doesn’t like to be talked about, is the main organizer of all of the EU/UK events as well as training and organizing all of the new overseas courses… so I won’t mention her).
More happenings and photos below.
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Until next time, like me
Enjoy your horses!
Jim
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Free Videos On The
Masterson Method® Website
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Did you know that we have a lot of free Resources on the website? Here is a link to one of the videos - the Bladder Meridian Technique. You can also access blog posts, previous newsletters and all the podcasts Jim has done to date. If you prefer, you can check out our Social Media posts. Enjoy! |
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Looking for something specific? Let us know and we'll see if we can help you find it. |
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More photos and a story
from Lucie Klaassen, MMCP
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Jim & Vicky hopped over to The Netherlands for a couple of demos in between Equitana in Germany and the 3-day Masterson gathering in the UK. All demos were sold out within 48 hours.
In Vorden, 70+ people joined the evening demo that Jim did with my horse Jajão. He is a 9 year old Lusitano that was trained for bull fighting in Portugal, so he can be easily stressed. Although Jajão would fidget a lot, I have never seen him stand still so long! It was great to see the releases he showed when Jim worked with him.
Since I was giving a weekend seminar, Jim also joined the group as a surprise. They could ask him questions and he would show a few advanced techniques with my other horse Seni, a 17 year old PRE. They loved it that they could interact with Jim in a small setting, it was greatly appreciated! Thanks! Lucie
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Saturday afternoon, Jim showing a few techniques with my horse Seni |
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Answering questions from weekend seminar students |
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Jim explaining that you sometimes need to look away to take the pressure off! |
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The demo Saturday evening sold out in 48 hours! 70+ people came to watch Jim’s introduction demo with my horse Jajão.
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Sometimes the owner of the horse can be distracting |
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When Jim explained something to the audience, Jajão would call him back |
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Jajão is checking the Beyond Massage book to make sure Jim didn’t forget anything!
Good Job Jajão!
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) Program News |
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The demo was awesome! Such a great group of volunteers :) The really great piece that everyone noticed and truly felt was the connection and presence that using the Masterson Method® created. |
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Dee Dee gave a 2nd demo in early April with more great results! |
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Rachael Loucks, MMES, Founder of Up There, LLC in north central Wisconsin, contributed to the 2022 PATH International Conference through this Zoom session.
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In this excerpt of Lise Lunde’s presentation, Rachael explains her program, how they use The Masterson Method® to benefit their horses, and how with the help of volunteers and participants, they can provide the Bladder Meridian Technique to each horse in their program at least once per week. Rachael also shares how one participant has shown progress in perspective-taking by noticing horses in need.
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I contributed 2 chapters to this book. In the one titled "Not just horsing around: an equine professional's guiding principles," I wrote about Masterson and becoming an MMES. I thought y'all might be interested in what I wrote, so I've pasted it below. It's my hope that others find their way to Masterson!
from page 244: After my older daughter and I attended a Masterson Method® weekend clinic, I was hooked. I started using the Bladder Meridian technique on all our TR horses and in sessions with groundwork students, including our Equine Services for Heroes groups. The results were astounding for the horses and humans learning and practicing the technique. I was thrilled when Masterson began their MMES program and became certified as a Masterson Method Equine Specialist. Masterson has been invaluable in teaching me the wisdom and science behind a lighter touch. MMES training was the first step in my ability to see (and thereby hear) more subtle communication from horses and respond with curiosity and greater compassion. This method is relational at its core and brought to the forefront my relationships with each horse and how important it is to know each as an individual.
Thanks Malaika - well done!
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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!
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Recognized Host in Uddel, Netherlands |
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We are pleased to recognize De Wildtshof, a frequent host of students who are allowed to practice Masterson Method Techniques on the horses staying there. |
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Apparently, the certificates taste as good as they look...or else, the horse is checking our spelling! |
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Recognized Host in Texas, USA |
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Thank you to Cassie at Box T Performance Horses for being a frequent host for Masterson Method® Seminars.
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is a National nonprofit organization that gives youth in grades 4-12 the opportunity to compete in team and individual equestrian competition without the financial burden of owning a horse. IEA offers competition across three disciplines: hunt seat, Western, and dressage.
Teams can be formed through a school or barn. Salado Elite Riders is coached by Cassie Shumate and welcomes riders from the Central Texas area including Austin, Killeen, Temple, and the surrounding towns.
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A few more fun photos from Jim's Travels |
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No work and all play....I mean, all work and no play are no fun! |
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For horses and owners...and more for horses!
I'm not sure how this list snuck into the photos Jim sent me - but I couldn't resist! Natalie
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Newly Certified Practitioners |
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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 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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Rachel Downs, MMCP
Ramona, California
Rachel Downs is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner located in San Diego. Beyond just riding and training, she spent time as a stallion manager at UC Davis working with the stallions and broodmares for breeding. Rachel has been teaching lessons and training horses since 2015, specializing in classical dressage. While she began as an eventer, she soon struggled with soundness issues with her horse. When she saw how much the Masterson Method® helped her own horse stay sound and happy, she knew she wanted to get involved with the work. Her goal is to help every horse she works with feel balanced and happy in their own bodies.
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Phone: 858-776-7349
Email:
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Sandra Keil, MMCP
Baden-Baden, Rastatt, Germany
Schon als Kind fand ich Pferde faszinierend. Im Alter von sieben Jahren, hatte ich dann auch meine ersten Reitstunden. Aus ein paar Reitstunden wurde immer und ich habe dann meinen Trainer C (Islandpferde) gemacht. Dann folgte die Ausbildung zum Bewegungstrainer nach Eckart Meyners. Hier fand ich es sehr spannend, wie man den Reiter mit einigen Übungen zu einem lockeren Sitz verhelfen konnte. Da fragte ich mich, ob dies nicht auch beim Pferd gehen würde.
So machte ich zuerst eine Pferdephysioausbildung danach eine osteopathische Pferdeausbildung. Dann sah ich einen Artikel über die MastersonMethode® und war begeistert.
Man arbeitet mit dem Pferd und was das heißt, wird einem im Laufe der Ausbildung immer bewusster. Es wird über das parasympathische System gearbeitet und man spricht den ganzen Körper des Pferdes an und bezieht das Pferd in die Behandlung mit ein. Es werden Verspannungen gelöst und der Bewegungsspielraum verbessert.
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Jennifer Gavenat, MMCP
Peine, Niedersachsen, Germany
Since 2006 I have been working with children and young people around all the horse. In 2015 I came to Centered Riding® and I finished the instructor training in 2017. Since then, I do mobile riding lessons and support my clients in horse training, riding lessons with bodywork – perception and balance, for an easy riding.
For me its very important to bring rider and horse together into physical and mental balance. So, the rider is getting released by bodywork, which helps him to come into feeling and more awareness, …and the horse?
Sure, we do have training plans, we do ground- and handwork, and gymnastic the horse. But what to do if tensions patterns inside the muscles develop at a stage that it lead to pain and movement is restricted?
In order to help the horse even more, I decided …I want to be an equine physical therapist!
Unfortunately, the search results did not satisfy me until I came across The Masterson Method® . Will say, I came across Jim and was completely blown away by him and his method of handling and how he treats the horses. I wanted to learn that, too!
After now 2 years of training, I am allowed to call myself MMCP, a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner and continue on my way for the benefit of the horses. Now I get not only the rider but also the horse released of tensions – by interactive bodywork in a relaxed state and by touching the nervous system to release deeper core and muscle tension.
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Florian Fischer, MMCP
Oberursel, Hessen, Germany
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Phone: +4917632754011
Email:
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Interested in taking a course? Here are a few testimonials that might convince you!
Masterson Method® is an integral part of my toolkit in helping my senior horse look and feel better. Now that I've taken the 2-day course, I'm excited to practice on him and see what new changes I see.
(Weekend Seminar)
I’ve already been encouraging a couple people to attend, because the work is profound & helps their horses so much!
(Advanced 5-Day Course)
I would recommend the Light to the Core course to anyone who wants to profoundly improve the wellbeing of their horse with simple, and easy to apply techniques. Anyone can do this. I love that about this course. Be prepared to meet some of the most amazing equine advocates in kind. When a group of people get together to learn how to improve the lives of their equine partners, magic happens. This clinic was time well spent.
(Light to the Core Seminar)
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Weekend Seminar-Workshop Schedule |
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* If the course you had your heart set on is sold out, please email jo@mastersonmethod.com to be added to the waiting list.
Worried about COVID19? Read our COVID precautions and info here:
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USA 2023 Courses
Canada 2023 Courses
(in French)
(in French)
September 30-October 1
September 30-October 1
(in French)
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Asia 2023 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
European 2023 Courses
(in German)
(in German)
(in German)
(in English)
(in Polish)
(in German)
(in Dutch)
(in English w/German translation)
(in German)
(in German)
(in Dutch)
(in Dutch)
Middle East 2023 Courses
(in Hebrew and English)
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
European 2023 Advanced Courses
(in English and German as needed)
Canada 2023 Advanced Courses
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
South Africa 2023 Courses
(Check back for upcoming Advanced 5-day Courses)
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Certification Completion Course Schedule |
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USA 2023 Courses
with Sandy Vreeburg
with Coralie Hughes
with Sandy Vreeburg
with Becky Tenges
Canada 2023 Courses
with Lori Hoppe
with Lori Hoppe
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European 2023 Courses
with Walter Saxe
(in German)
with Vicky Devlin
with Walter Saxe
(in German and English)
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
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Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule |
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USA 2023 Courses
European 2023 Courses
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Canada 2023 Courses
(in French)
(in French)
September 16-17
Canada 2024 Courses
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule |
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Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics |
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USA 2023 Collaborative Clinics
with Dr. Stephen Peters, Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson
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Masterson Method Expos and Demos |
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USA and European 2023 Expos & Demos
MMCP Demonstrations
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"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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