January 2025 Equine Newsletter | |
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Hello All,
Happy New Year!
You all know what that means. Fun’s over! Time to get back to work!
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What’s Going On?
We already have a lot of things going on in 2025:
a) horse expos, b) demos, c) cool video upgrades to our Online Courses, and d) collaborations with famous people who make me look good. And lots of Courses! I’ll be on the road a lot this year, getting out there doing a), b), c) and d) above.
We have a ton (at least) of courses already on the calendar all around our ever-changing globe. I hate to take up space here to list all the regions hosting courses, but it makes me feel good to see them, so here goes:
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Watsonville, CA (above)
Tucson, AZ (right)
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United States – CA (3), IA (2), IL (1), MI (2), PA (1), NY(1), FL (2), AR (2), GA (2),
VA (2), NC (3), AZ (1), CO (2), HI (2), NV (1), ID (1), TX (1 but it’s a big one : ), SD (1)
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Canada – BC (3), AB (1), QC (5) and SK (1 Saskatchewan)
Europe – AT (2), DE (4), CZ (2), FR (1), NL (3), PL (3), ES (1) and SK (1 Slovakia, not Saskatchewan)
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U.K. (3 – but they’re really good : ) | |
Australia – NSW (1), QLD (3), VIC (3), SA (1), and Bees Creek NT (1). | |
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Note: Emma Young is teaching the Weekend Course in Bees Creek, NT. I’ve never been to Bees Creek, but if you’re planning on going I’d bring along extra clothing! There’s also the course in Baddaginnie, VIC being taught by Gypsy Merrit. I don’t know what’s in Baddaginnie… just be careful.
Intrepid Instructor Nikki Kagan is keeping Weekend Courses going in Israel (2), and things are going well in Japan with Tomoko Sembongi’s three courses on the calendar so far. Nadine Vollmerg will have courses coming up soon in New Zealand, and keep an eye open for possible courses in South Africa.
If you live near any of the abbreviations above and are thinking of getting hands-on-hands training with a qualified Instructor in Masterson Method Techniques, or if you’ve done a Weekend Course and are ready to dive into the five days of Advanced Course Techniques, check out the course descriptions and dates on the website. These are what we have listed now but keep an eye on the Calendar as more courses will be added.
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Happy Student, Happy Horse | |
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If you’re up to hosting a course at your own place, check out what’s involved here:
Host a Weekend Course.
And finally, if your New Years Resolution has anything to do with improving movement, performance, comfort or communication with your horse - or anything that will help me reach my goal of having every horse on the planet have experienced the Bladder Meridian Technique at least once in its life - then do something to help yourself get even better at it!
This can be as simple as:
-watching one of the many videos on how to do the Bladder Meridian Technique,
-to reviewing the many other videos available on our YouTube Channel,
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-to taking one of the courses on our website,
-to just taking whatever you’ve already learned and getting out there and putting your hands on as many different horses as you can. Getting your hands on horses is one of those things where “less” is definitely not “more”!
Podcasts and Collaborations
Horseman and bit specialist Daniel Dauphin and I have collaborated on a couple of things over the years. One of those was a podcast we did together last year. Most recently, we decided to do another one where we switched roles and I got to interview him. As his sense of humor is even more warped than mine, it turned out to be an entertaining conversation. Link farther down. I apologize in advance.
Mark Rashid and I did a three-part webinar series this month on Softness and Connection along with a Q & A session with participants. This webinar will be available for purchase on both our websites soon. Stay tuned!
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above: Mark's Exercise #1
left: Mark and Jim looking at...????
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Mark and I will be doing our regular winter collaborative clinic Considering the Horse: Mind and Body on February 28 - March 2 in Cave Creek, AZ, and our regular summer clinic at Happy Dog Ranch in Sedalia, CO on July 8 – 10. Auditors are welcome and encouraged at both of these clinics. We’ll be doing the clinic at Happy Dog Ranch in conjunction with Dr. Stephen Peters’ Your Horse’s Brain: A User’s Manual clinic.
You can find out about all three of these by visiting our Collaborative Clinics page.
Expos and Demos
Doing a lot of Horse Expos this year. I’ll be doing demos and presentations at Equitana in Essen, Germany for three days, March 6–8.
It’ll be my first time at the Idaho Horse Expo, April 4–6 and looking forward to it!
Horse Expo Canada, April 25-27, eh?
Western States Horse Expo, June 6-8. Always fun there.
And I’ll be sleeping most of July and August.
If you scroll waaayy down to the Calendar at the bottom of this newsletter, then down to the bottom of the Calendar, you’ll find more information on these events, along with demos that our Masterson Method Certified Practitioners often do at local events such as the one MMCP Kalin Finsand is doing in three days (January 18th) in Garden Valley, California.
Well, I’m about worn out just talking about 2025 so I’m gonna take a nap.
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I hope I can visit with some of you at one of these events; talk about horses, sign a book or two, and just general BS (biomechanical sciences : )
Until then, like me,
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Jim's Podcast with Daniel Dauphin | |
Jim Masterson interviews Daniel Dauphin!
From Daniel: "If you’ve listened to the podcast very much, it’ll come as no surprise to you that Jim Masterson is one of my favorite people in this business. Since we have such a good relationship, he asked if he could flip the script and interview me and even do the sponsor for the episode. He did not disappoint.
This business is ultimately about people having fun and that we definitely do. I hope you enjoy learning a little more about me and the future plans as well."
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Congratulations to MMCP Laura A. Fitch, author of The Essential Horse Book!
Whether you're new to the world of horses or have a lifetime of experience, The Essential Horse Book: The Complete Guide is an indispensable resource every equestrian should have.
This handbook provides a holistic road map to success with horses, delving deep into the critical aspects of a horse's well-being: including mental health, physiology, digestion, sleep, tack fit, disease and nutrition.
Read more on Laura's website: Laura A Fitch.
Book available on Amazon.
“What there is to learn and know about the horse is infinite. With technology as it is today, we’re easily enticed by the latest perspectives and insights into the horse. Sometimes the fundamentals get bypassed. I find this book to be one of the basics that should be at every horseperson’s fingertips and on everyone’s bookshelf. It’s well-organized and presented, from the perspective of the horse’s well-being by a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the horse.
Whether just starting out with horses, or someone like me who’s been around for a while but still filling in the infinite gaps, this is a worthwhile book to have on your shelf.” Jim Masterson, Founder, The Masterson Method®
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Through the heartbreak and fear, it has been inspiring to read the messages from many people on Facebook who are offering help during the California wildfires. MMCPs are discussing techniques to help horses in physical/mental distress, and horse owners with trailers are offering rides and places for horses to stay during the evacuations. We honor all those who are working so tirelessly for human and animal safety.
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One of our MMCPs sent this sweet photo - it seemed appropriate to include it here! Thank you Sylvie Vallières!
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Winter Wonderland and Horses!
"It’s officially winter, which in cold northern climates means lots of mud or a diabolically freezing nightmare with ice and snow. We asked our Masterson Method Certified Practitioners (MMCPs) their thoughts on bodywork in the cold winter months and have updated our Winter Bodywork Tips for you.
We’d like to thank Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) Sabrina Wenzel for contributing photos, and the following MMCPs for contributing their ideas to this article: Alice Long, Carol Hunt, Janet Stephen, Lizzie Brewster, Megan Dushin, Monika Ermann, Nikki Kagan, Sabine Maas, Sonia Bascuñana, Suzanne Liscouski, and Vicky Devlin."
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The entire Masterson Method team is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our MMCPs. Our thoughts are with Sarah's family and friends.
From Alice Long, MMCP: "Our MM family has experienced a profound loss in the passing of Sarah Gosch. I was en route to Pennsylvania to lead an MMES course when I had the privilege of coaching Sarah during her fieldwork studies. We kept in touch intermittently since then.
Sarah’s love for the horse and her work in The Masterson Method was evident in everything she did. In light of her passing, there is a GoFundMe set up to assist with her medical expenses, as the grief her husband is facing during this tragic time is something no one should endure alone.
You can read Sarah’s MM bio here: Sarah Gosch, MMCP
You will always hold a special place in our MM family, Sarah!"
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Newly Certified Practitioners | |
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Need help for your horse? Find an 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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Amber Anderson, MMCP
Santa Maria, California
My journey with horses began nearly 40 years ago, but my professional path initially took me into a 20-year career as a firefighter, where I learned the importance of resilience, teamwork and trust, all of which deeply inform my approach to equine bodywork today.
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Cindy Durns, MMCP
Capitola, California
In fourth grade I had fifty Breyer plastic horses. In fifth grade I started saving money to buy a pony. By the time I was in high school I was riding local shows and loving the horse world. When I left for college I put the horse world on pause, vowing to get back one day.
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Steffi Schönbeck, MMCP
Stadthagen, Germany
Mein Name ist Steffi Schönbeck. Ich bin Reitlehrerin & Pferdetrainerin und seit 2019 Masterson Method Certified Practitioner.
Meine Herzensangelegenheit: „Gesundes Training. Partner Pferd. Für ein vertrauensvolles Miteinander.“
My name is Steffi Schönbeck. I am a riding instructor & horse trainer and a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner since 2019.
My heart’s desire: “Healthy training. Partner horse. For a trusting relationship.”
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Amy Shepherd-Otte, MMCP
Bargteheide, Germany
I have worked with horses since University. I show-jumped professionally up to 1.50m and have ridden and trained horses and riders in many disciplines.
Born in Scotland in 1977, I moved 16 years ago to Germany where I continue to work with horses in a rehabilitation stables. I have learnt acupuncture and Osteopathy for horses, but felt that there was still something missing from how I could help them.
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Chiara Mair, MMCP
Innsbruck, Austria
My background is a bit different to most MMCP’s out there. Although I’ve been around horses my whole life and own a super cute Iceland horse myself, my whole past life evolved around professional alpine skiing. I came to a point in my career where I suffered from a severe brain/nervous system/vertebrae injury (had to quit) and at the same time my horse did not perform and feel well.
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Willow Reavley, MMCP
Poole, United Kingdom
The Masterson Method® has been a revelation to me and has changed the way I work with horses. It has taught me to really pay attention & validate the subtle ways horses communicate. This carries over into riding, which has taken on a very gentle quality, full of respect, trust & relaxation.
My grandpa had a riding school & my mum worked with horses so I have always been around & ridden horses, enjoying competitions when I was younger.
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Ulrike Voigt, MMCP
Galmsbüll, Germany
Seit dem 14. Lebensjahr begleiten Pferde und die Liebe zu diesen Tieren mein Leben: als Turnierpferd, Pony für die Tochter, Reithengst, Beistellpferd, Berittpferd, Junghengst, zu unterrichtendes Pferd, Fohlen und Gnadenbrotpferd.
Since age 14, horses and the love of these animals accompanied my life: be it a competition horse, a pony for the daughter, a riding stallion, a side horse, a horse to be taught, a young stallion, a foal or a mercy bred horse.
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Louise Bone, MMCP
Edinburgh, Scotland
I can’t remember life without horses – they have always been there and are my escape from every day work… by day, I am an Operations Manager for a group of Dental Practices and in my spare time you’ll find me at the yard.
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Newly Certified Equine Specialists | |
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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
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Emily Eckner, MMES
Brookfield, Illinois
Emily has always loved horses, even pretending to be one as a little girl.
A turning point for Emily was attending a demonstration on the Masterson Method®, learning how beneficial it is for horses and immediately saw results during that short time that used a gentle manner and touch with big releases.
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Kiki Ebsen, MMES
Agoura Hills, California
I first became familiar with the Masterson Method® through YouTube videos. After that, I purchased the book “Beyond Horse Massage” to study the techniques in greater detail. My inspiration to attend courses and pursue certification came when I watched Jim Masterson demonstrate his methods in person at one of his collaborative clinics with Mark Rashid.
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"I would say this is a fantastic opportunity to learn the basics to help you in your own horse knowledge and what you can do at home. You also meet some fantastic people!"
Weekend Course Student Testimonial
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USA 2025 Courses
West
January 25-26 Watsonville, CA
February 8-9 Tucson, AZ
March 29-30 Solvang, CA
April 12-13 Tucson, AZ
April 19-20 Las Vegas, NV
April 27-28 Koloa, HI
May 3-4 Waikoloa, HI
May 3-4 Sedalia, CO
May 31-June 1 Penn Valley, CA
June 21-22 Victor, ID
September 6-7 Ceres, CA
October 25-26 Sedalia, CO
Southwest
February 22-23 Bryan, TX
Midwest
March 1-2 Rapid City, SD
March 22-23 Sebeka, MN
April 5-6 Elgin, IL
April 12-13 Byron, MN
April 19-20 Milo, IA
May 3-4 Howell, MI
May 24-25 Pequot Lakes, MN
June 7-8 Milo, IA
September 13-14 Zeeland, MI
October 11-12 Milo, IA
November 1-2 Sebeka, MN
Northeast
April 5-6 Fombell, PA
April 12-13 Circleville, NY
Southeast
February 15-16 Vero Beach, FL
March 8-9 Perryville, AR
March 15-16 Canton, GA
March 22-23 Leesburg, VA
March 29-30 Youngsville, NC
April 5-6 Delray Beach, FL
May 3-4 Youngsville, NC
May 17-18 Leesburg, VA
May 17-18 Ooltewah, TN
September 20-21 Cleveland, NC
October 11-12 Perryville, AR
Canada 2025 Courses
British Columbia
March 29-30 Rosedale, BC
May 24-25 Kelowna, BC
October 25-26 Campbell River, BC
Alberta
June 21-22 Calgary, AB
Saskatchewan
June 7-8 Aberdeen, SK
Quebec
April 19-20 Grand-Remous, QC
(in French)
April 26-27 Sainte-Clotilde-de-Beauce, QC (in French)
May 10-11 Rouyn-Noranda, QC
(in French)
August 23-24 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
August 31-September 1 St-Honoré-de-Chicoutimi, QC (in French)
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European 2025 Courses
Austria
March 22-23 Oberhausen, AT
(in English with German translation)
June 14-15 Graz, AT
(in German with English translation)
Czech Republic
March 8-9 Svoboda nad Úpou, CZ
(in Czech)
September 20-21 Bošilec, CZ
(in Czech)
France
April 12-13 Parly, FR
Germany
March 22-23 Egestorf, DE
(in German)
March 29-30 Frickingen, DE
(in German)
April 12-13 Aßlar-Oberlemp, DE
(in German)
May 10-11 Emden, DE
(in German)
Netherlands
February 8-9 Ommen, NL
(in Dutch)
March 11-12 Uddel, NL
(in English with Dutch translation)
July 5-6 Bedum, NL
(in Dutch)
Poland
April 12-13 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
June 14-15 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
September 13-14 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
Slovakia
May 17-18 Ratnovce, SK
(in Czech)
Spain
June 21-22 Garcia, ES
(in English with Spanish translation)
United Kingdom
March 29-30 Horley, Surrey, UK
April 12-13 Horsforth, Leeds, UK
April 26-27 Shillington, Bedfordshire, UK
Australia 2025 Courses
Australia
March 1-2 Mount George, SA, AU
March 29-30 Elimbah, QLD, AU
April 26-27 Tynong, VIC, AU
May 24-25 Glenreagh, NSW, AU
July 5-6 North Arm, QLD, AU
July 19-20 Bees Creek, NT, AU
August 30-31 Baddaginnie, VIC, AU
September 27-28 Arthurs Creek, VIC, AU
September 27-28 North Arm, QLD, AU
New Zealand
May 3-4 Christchurch, NZ
Africa 2025 Courses
South Africa
(check back for upcoming courses)
Asia 2025 Courses
Israel
February 20-21 Hibbat Zion, IL
(in English with Hebrew translation)
May 22-23 Hibbat Zion, IL
(in English with Hebrew translation)
Japan
March 12-13 Saitama, JP
(in Japanese)
April 5-6 Chiba, JP (in English)
September 27-28 Hokkaido, JP
(in Japanese)
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Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | |
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"Superior course materials and plenty of one on one time with either the instructor or assistant coaches. Very well supported & worth the investment. As a bodywork modality it is well suited to most horses & highly effective."
Advanced 5-Day Course Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Advanced Courses
March 10-14 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
March 10-14 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
March 24-28 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
April 21-25 Adams, TN with Kathy Tow
June 2-6 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
June 23-27 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
Canada 2025 Advanced Courses
May 5-9 Cobourg, ON with Lori Hoppe
May 26-30 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
August 18-22 Calgary, AB with Lori Hoppe
September 15-19 Langley, BC with Lori Hoppe
October 6-10 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
Australia & New Zealand 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
European 2025 Advanced Courses
April 9-13 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
May 31-June 4 Egestorf, DE with Walter Saxe (in German)
July 7-11 Orcemont, FR with Caroline Hébert Bernard (in French)
September 16-20 Rzęszyce, PL with Beata Filonowicz (in Polish)
UK 2025 Advanced Courses
March 31-April 4 Horley, UK with Vicky Devlin
April 28-May 2 Langford, Bedfordshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
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Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | |
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"Do it and you will never look at your horse or touch your horse in the same way -
you will always make sure that your touch is light and sensitive and that your eye is keen and caring."
LTC Student Testimonial
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USA 2025 Courses
March 15-16 Garden Valley, CA
April 26-27 Coatesville, PA
April 26-27 Clayton, WA
May 10-11 Leesburg, VA
June 7-8 Santa Maria, CA
July 26-27 Seneca, SC
UK 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Canada 2025 Courses
May 3-4 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
May 24-25 Rockwood, ON
October 18-19, Langley, BC
European 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | |
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"Give a gift to your horse. Take this course!"
Equine Specialist Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Courses
March 21-23 Richmond, IL
May 16-18 Montrose, CO
June 20-22 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
European 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | |
Masterson Method Expos and Demos | |
Masterson Method Canine Courses | |
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"I wish I had filmed Pixie before I took the Masterson Method Canine Read and Release Online Training Class because Pixie's movement before and after the class instruction is so amazing! To see her move more freely now brings me much joy. What a special way to give back to a longtime canine friend!"
Canine Course Student Testimonial
Read and Release 2025 Course Dates
Sundays at 12:00 pm CT, Feb 16, 23, Mar 2 with Stef Watts (full)
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm CT, Feb 5, 12, 19 with Kalin Finsand (1 spot available)
Introducing Movement 2025 Course Dates
Fridays at 10:00 am CT, Jan 31, Feb 7, 14 with Stef Watts (1 spot available)
Mondays at 5:00 pm CT, Mar 10, 17, 24 with Valissa Willwerth (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.
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Masterson Method Office Info | |
THE MASTERSON METHOD®
641-472-1312
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