October 2024 Equine Newsletter | |
|
Hello All,
On the West Coast
The family (minus kitties and horses) is now in Arroyo Grande on the Central Coast of California for the months of October and November. We’re fortunate to have kitties, horses, and farm being cared for back home by Nicole, now a Fieldwork student, living in our town of Fairfield (woo-hoo!).
Conley and I just made the four and a half day drive out here with our two pups, Nellie and Jupiter.
| |
|
Am also bringing out an antique two-wheel driving cart that my brother and sister-in-law discovered in their barn about 25 years ago, and that I restored and used to drive Annabelle and Jeremiah as singles over the years. (Stay with me… the plot thickens…)
Anita Parra, owner of Big Horse Ranch here in Arroyo Grande, recently taught her can-do-everything Irish horse of 16 years, Sterling, how to drive. I thought it would be good for him (and her) to have a nice vehicle to drive in, so here it is.
| |
As you all know, Anita hosts our annual collaborative clinic with Mark Rashid at the Big Horse Ranch - named after Sterling - here in Arroyo Grande…which is one reason that we’re here. So, you see, I’m finally getting to the point. The Mark and Jim Show (as it’s sometimes called). | |
Mark and I just finished this clinic, and it went well as usual with auditors, riders, horses, and Mark and Jim learning tons. An added bonus was getting to do a Light to the Core demonstration with MMCP and Instructor Amelia Nalli. Amelia will be teaching an LTC Weekend Course here at Big Horse Ranch on November 9-10. I’ll be here at least one of those days to fetch her coffee, keep the stalls cleaned and horses fed, and whatever else needs doing. If you want to join us, you can register for the course using this link: Arroyo Grande, CA LTC. | |
|
Helping horses with Light to the Core. Helping horses and people with MMES
Along with Amelia’s course, we still have some other Light to the Core courses this year, and several MMES (Masterson Method Equine Specialist) Courses open for registration for next year, including our second MMES Course in the UK in February (more on that later on). And our Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Courses are all over the place, all the time! Check them out on the Calendar page at the bottom of this email.
Often-asked Question
“So, what’s the difference between
- Beyond Horse Massage (BHM) Weekend Course
- Light to the Core Course and the
- Masterson Method Equine Specialist Course?”
For answer to this, scroll farther down to Courses of a Different Color.
The Bladder Meridian Challenge
Take a look at the results of the Bladder Meridian Challenge farther down. It’s a fun thing to do each year and we love going through the photos and videos that are sent in. It’s a personal goal of mine to have every horse on the planet experience the Bladder Meridian at least once in its life, and this helps keep it going.
The Bladder Meridian itself is easy to do. If you’re not sure, you can view a 17-minute instructional video here for free!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6p4knE2f1U&t=5s.
Having every horse on the planet experience the Bladder Meridian is a little more of a moving target as horses eventually move on, and then more pop up… so how do you keep track? What if the same horses are sneaking back in for a freebie? And what if…? Well, I decided it’s easier not to over-think it, and if a horse pops up in front of you, just do it! Easy-peasy!
Two New Useful Books
| |
Wired for Connection
https://trueconnection.lucieklaassen.com/homepage
Masterson Method Instructor Lucie Klaassen has written a new book on Polyvagal Principles and how the horse’s nervous system works, and how to best utilize this when training your horse.
| |
Lessons from Horses
https://www.horsemanshipforperformance.com/store/p61/Lessonsfromhorses.html
Tanja Kraus is an educator in Holistic Horsemanship in NSW Australia who is passionate about building better communication and understanding between horse and human. She also is a devoted host for our weekend courses every year. Included in the 3rd book in her series ‘Lessons from Horses’ is a chapter on how to use (you guessed it!) The Masterson Method Bladder Meridian Technique. Our enthusiastic MM Australia Instructor Emma Young is seen here with Tanya.
|  | |
I think I look pretty good illustrated!
Back to the Central Coast
On Sunday, October 20, Amber Lydic will host The Art of Equine Alchemy at the Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club. If you are in the area, I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to connect with our California MMCPs who will have a booth at the event. Check it out here: https://www.amberlydic.com/AOEA-2024
For the next two months we’ll be enjoying the coastal weather, doing some riding (and driving), watching the sunrise/set, and of course, working on horses.
| |
I’ll report on how that’s going next month.
Until then, like me,
Enjoy your horses!
Jim
| |
The Bladder Meridian Challenge 2024 | |
|
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in last month’s Bladder Meridian Challenge! We always love seeing your entries, and this year was no different. From horses, donkeys, dogs, and even Oliver the Watusi cow (who you can see in the picture!), there was plenty of licking, chewing, and yawning to go around.
We continue this challenge each year to achieve Jim’s vision of sharing the Bladder Meridian Technique with every horse on the planet, and each year get a step closer to this. Choosing a winner was tough, as always, but this year, Champs Heart really stood out. Nine of their volunteers practiced the technique on 20 horses, earning them the grand prize - a copy of Beyond Horse Massage and an Absorbine gift basket! They do outstanding work with children and veterans, making them very deserving of this recognition. You can watch their video by clicking HERE
We’d also like to give special mention to Forward Moments, Jordon Manfredi, and Christina Schnitzler for their beautiful entries, and to Laura Grant who won our canine challenge and shared this heartwarming moment with Heath.
| |
We can’t wait to see everyone back next year for more releasing and relaxing. | |
|
Did you know if you’ve attended an Advanced 5-Day Course, you can enroll in our Master the Method: Advanced Home Study Course?
The goal of this online course is to help you improve your practice and techniques. It teaches a system of learning that you can apply to every horse you work on—whether it’s a horse at your barn, your first case study, or your 100th client!
You’ll be introduced to Deliberate Practice – a reflective approach that strengthens your skills by breaking down each technique slowly and in more detail, allowing you to see the ‘gaps’ - the spots where something could be better. Deliberate practice, also known as deep practice, is a key pillar of the course, helping you refine each technique in small but profound ways.
The course includes:
- 10 learning modules
- Over 20 hours of video content
- Deliberate Practice Guide & Worksheets
- Videos of Jim demonstrating each technique
- Videos of Jim answering questions with slow-motion review
- Bonus Videos - Advanced 5-Day Demonstration
Watch this clip of Liz Williams, an MMES who is passionate about learning. Liz helped create the Deliberate Practice section of the course, and in this short clip, she’ll talk about what this means.
| |
|
From now through October 31, we’re giving anyone who has attended an Advanced 5-Day course, the chance to get $50 off the price of the Advanced Home Study Course.
Use the coupon code: 50offoct at checkout!
| |
Don’t forget, we also have a certification program for anyone who would like to become a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner, and the use of our trademark is reserved for our MMCP’s. | |
|
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead and plan for 2025. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting our 2nd Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) Course in February in the UK!
If you work or volunteer in an Equine Assisted Services (EAS) program and are passionate about putting the horse’s welfare at the heart of your work, this course is a must. It not only enhances the well-being of the horses but also deepens the benefits for the people served in these programs.
For those who missed the first UK MMES Course earlier this year, don’t let the opportunity pass you by again! Mark your calendars and secure your spot today. Spaces are limited and fill quickly.
The course will again be held at the Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy, situated in the beautiful New Forest, Southern England. Our host for the course in 2024 sent this photo of Mac and said "Mac is looking forward to the 2025 course!" Don't disappoint him - register soon!
| |
|
UK Class Photo of 2024
2025 dates are February 15-17!
| |
|
MMCPs at UC Davis
Masterson Method Certified Practitioners Becky Mertens, Kalin Finsand, Jennifer Strachan, and MJ Fridley were invited to have a booth at Horse Barn - Horse Day at the UC Davis Department of Animal Science on October 12th. In addition, MMCP Dawa Fitzmaurice presented How to Prevent and Alleviate Neck and Back Pain for your Equine Partner during one of the morning sessions.
Horse Day is a prestigious event featuring workshops, demonstrations, and lectures focused on continuing education for horse owners and enthusiasts.
It’s wonderful to see MMCP’s working together at such significant events and expanding awareness of The Masterson Method to yet more people. Thank you for spreading the word about MM!
| |
From left to right: Jennifer, MJ, Becky, Linda Taricio, Kalin | |
Podcast with MMCP Will Friday
Will Friday wears many hats. In addition to being an MMCP, Instructor, and Coach, he also serves as a Legacy Equine Nutrition Advisor and Training Director for Equine Empowered Therapy (E.E.T).
E.E.T. partners with horse ranches, horse rescues and equine professionals around the Southern California area to provide a variety of veteran programs for life enrichment, as well as occupational training programs for veterans who want to work in the equine industry.
Despite his packed schedule, Will made time to chat with one of our 2024 Gathering presenters, Daniel Dauphin, on the Adult Onset Horsemanship podcast. If you haven’t tuned in yet, it’s a great mix of insights and humor - we highly recommend it.
In the episode, Will discusses his Masterson Method journey and shares thoughts on everything from body language, nutrition plans, and even his affection for Roman-nosed horses!
| |
Courses of a Different Color | |
|
“So, what’s the difference between the
- Beyond Horse Massage (BHM) Weekend Course
- Light to the Core Course and the
- Masterson Method Equine Specialist Course”?
Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Course is a two-day course in which participants get hands-on instruction in all of the Techniques taught in the Beyond Horse Massage book and DVD, plus a few new ones that have been added since the book came out.
Light to the Core has the ability to profoundly affect the deepest interconnections of the horse’s body. This two-day course gives you an organized process to determine where in the body the horse is holding tension, when tension in one area may be affecting other areas, and how to determine a starting point and plan for that particular horse to release tension.
Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) is a three-day course for people who work in equine-assisted services or learning programs (Therapists, Equine Specialists, Coaches, and Volunteers). In this course, participants learn how to help horses serving in EAS programs and how to facilitate a learning experience where participants in EAS programs can give back to the horse.
For more details on all our in-person and online courses, click on the button below.
Photo courtesy of Julie Martin and HAPI Trails, June 2024 LTC Course
| |
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.
| |
|
Mylissa Davis, MMCP
Fairfax, Vermont
From an early age, horses have been a constant in Mylissa’s life. After taking a break from horses in college, her passion was once again renewed when she began to take lessons and volunteer at a barn that focused on horsemanship and balanced seat riding.
| |  |
|
Laura Staats, MMCP
Utrecht, Netherlands
Mijn doel is om jou als liefdevolle eigenaar te helpen je paard gezond, gelukkig en in topvorm te houden.
My goal is to help loving horse owners like you to keep your horse healthy, happy, and in top shape.
| | |
|
Heleen den Haan, MMCP
Wolfheze, Netherlands
Paardenwelzijn staat voor mij hoog op de agenda. Maar dat is niet altijd zo geweest. Met meer dan 30 jaar ervaring met paarden groeit mijn bewustzijn van en inzicht in paardenwelzijn nog dagelijks.
Equine welfare is a top priority for me, but it hasn’t always been this way. With over 30 years of experience with horses, my awareness and understanding of equine welfare continues to grow daily.
| | |
|
Chloe Falica, MMCP
Ocala, Florida
Chloe Falica grew up on a small farm in south central Kentucky riding and caring for horses. While living in Kentucky she was mentored by several of the nation’s most renowned sport horse rehabilitation experts who always encouraged the use of intuition and alternative methods of care for her personal horses. This philosophy continues to be the foundation of her work today.
| | |
|
Lucie Klinska, MMCP
Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
Originally, I had a background as a radiology assistant. Therefore, I have always been interested in anatomy, whether human or animal. After a serious spinal injury, I had to slow down and began to wonder how to approach horses differently. The pain I experienced also helped me to empathize with what horses might feel when they are in discomfort. Then I got the book “Beyond Horse Massage,” and thus my journey with the Masterson Method® (MM) began!
| | |
|
Allison Hamilton, MMCP
Southbury, Connecticut
I have been around horses my entire life and have ridden since I was seven years old. Being at the barn after school and every weekend, doing chores and caring for the horses gave me a strong work ethic and high attention to detail. After spending a year at the University of Connecticut as an Animal Science major, still unsure of what I truly wanted to do in life, I was introduced to The Masterson Method® and immediately thought “this is it”.
| | |
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
| |
|
Kari Scott, MMES
Columbus, Ohio
Kari Scott is a Masterson Method Equine Specialist, professional training designer, and meditation coach. She started her life with horses at about 6 years old with lessons at a local barn, and kept riding through college, when she competed on Miami University’s equestrian team. For several years, she led a non-profit for youth riders, supporting an Interscholastic Equestrian Association riding team.
| | |
|
Constance Foley, MMES
Idaho Falls, Idaho
I have a master’s degree in education and my career has focused on counseling and helping others develop financial literacy. I was introduced to The Masterson Method® while volunteering with Champ’s Heart, a program in Idaho Falls, Idaho that provides horse encounters for disabled children and veterans.
| | |
|
"I have recommended the course already as it is a wonderful way to relate to your horses, deepen your relationship with them, heighten your understanding of energy, and offer relief and healing."
Weekend Course Student Testimonial
| | |
|
USA 2024-2025 Courses
West
November 2-3 Sedalia, CO
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
June 21-22, 2025 Victor, ID
Southwest
October 19-20 Salado, TX
February 22-23, 2025 Bryan, TX
Midwest
November 2-3 Wright City, MO
November 2-3 Sebeka, MN
April 19-20, 2025 Milo, Iowa
May 24-25, 2025 Pequot Lakes, MN
June 7-8, 2025 Milo, Iowa
October 11-12, 2025 Milo, Iowa
Northeast
October 19-20 Freeville, NY
October 26-27 Coatesville, PA
Southeast
November 11-12 Ooltewah, TN
November 30-December 1 Cleveland, TN
February 15-16, 2025 Vero Beach, FL
Canada 2024-2025 Courses
British Columbia
(check back for upcoming courses)
Alberta
(check back for upcoming courses)
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)
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
(check back for upcoming courses)
Czech Republic
October 19-20 Řícmanice, CZ (in Czech)
March 8-9, 2025 Svoboda nad Úpou, CZ
(in Czech)
September 20-21, 2025 Bošilec, CZ
(in Czech)
Denmark
November 2-3 Kjellerup, DK (in English)
France
(check back for upcoming courses)
Germany
November 30-December 1 Willingen, DE (in German)
Netherlands
(check back for upcoming courses)
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
Australia 2024-2025 Courses
Australia
March 29-30, 2025 Elimbah, QLD, AU
New Zealand
(check back for upcoming courses)
Africa 2024-2025 Courses
South Africa
(check back for upcoming courses)
Asia 2024-2025 Courses
Japan
October 19-20 Chiba, JP (in Japanese)
| |
Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | |
|
"Very interesting. Almost a must if you own horses and you want to help them and work with them. Amazing techniques."
Advanced 5-Day Course Student Testimonial
USA 2024-2025 Advanced Courses
November 4-8 Georgetown, TX with Becky Tenges
November 11-15 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
March 10-14, 2025 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
March 24-28, 2025 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
April 21-25, 2025 Adams, TN with Kathy Tow
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
October 21-25 Elimbah, QLD, AU with Vicky Devlin
November 25-29 Christchurch, NZ with Nadine Vollmerg
European 2025 Advanced Courses
April 9-13, 2025 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
UK 2024 Advanced Courses
November 25-29 Horley, UK with Vicky Devlin
| |
Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | |
|
"I'd recommend this course to ANYONE with equines or who work with equines. The difference that it makes in how we understand and, most importantly, learn to listen to equines is invaluable."
LTC Student Testimonial
| | |
|
USA 2024 Courses
November 9-10 Arroyo Grande, CA
November 23-24 Sophia, NC
April 26-27, 2025 Coatesville, PA
April 26-27, 2025 Clayton, WA
May 10-11, 2025 Leesburg, VA
UK 2024 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
| | |
|
Canada 2024-2025 Courses
October 19-20 Langley, BC
October 19-20 Sherwood Park, AB
October 19-20 Erin, ON
May 3-4, 2025 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
European 2024 Courses
November 16-17 Rzęszyce, PL
(in English with Polish translation)
| |
Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | |
|
"This will give you a fabulous bridge between skill learning and introducing a particular skill to a therapeutic setting. It will really help you have more understanding of the horse’s needs."
Equine Specialist Student Testimonial
USA 2024-2025 Courses
October 25-27 Lovettsville, VA
March 21-23, 2025 Richmond, IL
May 12-14, 2025 Montrose, CO
European 2025 Courses
February 15-17, 2025 New Forest, UK
| |
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | |
|
USA 2024 Collaborative Clinics
Check back soon for 2025 Collaborative Clinic dates!
| |
Masterson Method Expos and Demos | |
Masterson Method Canine Courses | |
|
Read and Release 2024 Course Dates
November 4, 11, 18 Mondays at 8:00 a.m. CT with Leslie Kennedy
November 7, 14, 21 Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. CT with Kalin Finsand
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
| |
|
| | | |
