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Hello All,
No news from Lake Wobegon this month, but have news from Europe! You can only sit on the back porch watching thunderstorms go by for so long. We took a break from watching thunderstorms in May to take a two-week vacation in Spain and visit relatives in France. Vacation was agreed to mean an actual vacation - no horses on the agenda.
Spain
We got off a plane in Barcelona, and wanting a nice quiet place to spend the day and night drove three hours to a small village on the side of a mountain called Alquezar (the village, not the mountain). The original walls of Alquezar were built in the 11th century, I think, by the Moors. A monastery at the top of the village was added by Christians in the 14th century, and everything was ready to go by the time we arrived in May. It’s funny how things always seem to work out.
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Alquezar was recommended by Sonia Bascuñana Borras. Sonia lives in Barcelona, is an MMCP, and is the social media wizard who is responsible for all the wonderful Masterson Method things that go on our social media plataformas.
www.equi-libera.com
Note: We have a Masterson Method Weekend Seminar near Barcelona in October, and after visiting with Sonia, it looks like she may be organizing more in Spain next year. This is not yet definite, so don’t tell anybody! Wait, I said no horses - back to the vacation.
Next leg was a four-hour drive north-west along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees to Donosti-San Sebastian, on the top side of Spain, on the Atlantic coast, near the border with France. We took the opportunity to spend three days there with friends Marty and Jerry who were also visiting San Sebastian to eat and drink local Basque food and wine. To top the food experience off Jerry is a chef, so we were all set there.
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Eating and drinking in San Sebastian | |
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Three days of eating, drinking, and waddling the streets of San Sebastian before heading north into France to visit my brother and sister-in-law (belle-soeur) who live in Toulouse, an easy five-hour drive with a couple of interesting stops along the way.
France
Toulouse is a neat city in the center of the historic region of the Cathars and the 13th-century Albigensian Crusade. This was a Crusade where, as there were no Moors to chase out of France, the Church and the monarch of France joined together to chase other Christians (the Cathars) out of France. Well, they didn’t so much chase them out as torture and kill them. This gave a good start to the Inquisition.
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Eating and drinking in Albi, France | |
Walls that need to be scaled in order to eat and drink in Carcasonne | |
Inside the cathedral at Albi! | |
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New Masterson Method headquarters in Fairfield (kidding) | |
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Enjoying haute cuisine on the patio with Bob
Fortunately, by the time we arrived the crusade was all over and we were able to enjoy visiting the beautiful walled villages, forts, and cathedrals that these events provided meaning to. Actually, the region is beautiful on its own, and the people of southern France are very easy-going, open, friendly, - and very Masterson Method-like.
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Canal du Midi near Toulouse | |
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Near Toulouse
After four days of walking through walled towns, villages, forts and cathedrals with Bob and Jan - and stopping and eating and drinking along the way - we continued along the north side of the Pyrenees back toward the Mediterranean. Our destination was a town on the coast called Collioure.
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Collioure is a quaint, beautiful, and regionally historic Mediterranean port town just on the border with Spain. Part of its history is that it was a strategic gateway from the Iberian peninsula into France. Collioure has been bouncing back and forth in possession between France and Spain since before France and Spain were countries.
The Sunday we arrived it appeared the French were winning because the place was packed with weekend invaders. We found parking and walked down to the port, and decided we would drive a little farther down the coast and stay in a sleepy, less strategic coastal town called LLanca (Ylansa')on the Spanish side of the border. Our trajectory was taking us gradually back toward Barcelona.
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Medieval fortress near Collioure
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Where horses eat and drink in a medieval fortress
Spain
Next day, a little farther down the coast, we stayed in the next quaint, historic town of Cadaquez, where we were able to stay in a nice hotel overlooking the ocean.
We found a guy who would rent complete strangers a boat, and rather than just look out over the ocean we were able to get out and explore the beautiful rocky coves and clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. I’m trying not to sound like a travel brochure but it’s starting to head that way, so I’ll share a couple of photos and we’ll move on.
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"At sea"
I had a nice conversation with the fellow who rented us the boat about, well… boats. He asked if we wanted a fast, modern RIB (ridged-bottom-inflatable) boat, or a traditional-style Spanish boat called a llaut (pronounced “lyowt”). Being a traditional boat person, I responded, “Of course… a llaut.” His face lit up and I showed him photos of my sailing dory at home and he pulled out a photo of a traditional American catboat which his friend used to sail in Cadaquez, and we shared a traditional wooden boat aficionado moment.
Last stop, Barcelona. Drop off the car, hotel near the airport, some eating and drinking (no walking), and a good night’s sleep. Next day took the bus into town to meet with Sonia where we spent the afternoon walking the port of Barcelona, eating and drinking.
Fairfield
Back home on June 1 and all’s well at Lake Wobego…. I mean, Fairfield. Horses are good, dogs and cats are good, chickens are laying, Annual Dodge Power Wagon Rally going on, and am ready to get back to helping "The Team" keep things moving at The Masterson Method®.
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Courses continue to be added to the Calendar; the Light to the Core Seminars are becoming popular; we have a great (and I mean great) Team of dedicated Masterson Method humans helping us to reach more and more like-minded humans and horses around the world. If I can keep up with it everything will be good.
Lastly - A Bit of Information About Daniel Dauphin
I was just about to wrap up this newsletter when the !*&%# phone rang. I was glad to hear my buddy, horse trainer, and bit-savant Daniel Dauphin on the other end. I met Daniel while at the last Best Horse Practices Summit and saw his presentation on bits while there.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you hear a lot of stories and opinions on different topics in the horse world. Bits is one of them. I was half expecting opinions and stories when I sat down to hear Dan’s bit presentation, but was surprised to find that here was someone who’s really done his research and has done it from the perspective of what’s best for the horse. He takes you through the reins to the horse’s lips, tongue, bars of the mouth, and the horse’s mind and body; all the while making the science, technology and mechanics of the bit understandable and fun. He sells a bit video (The Bit Video: Understanding How and Why Bits Function) on his website.
“If nothing else,” Dan says, “after watching this video you’ll be able to walk into a tack store and eliminate 90% of the bits on the wall before buying one for your horse.” He may look like a good ole boy from Louisiana, but he comes from the same place as we do when it comes to the horse. Go Dan!
We also had a conversation that brought bits and bodywork together on his Adult-Onset Horsemanship Podcast that was a lot of fun.
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That’s all for this month.
Until next time, like me, enjoy your horses,
Jim
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MMCP Kathy Tow wrote to the office about a recent experience and we just had to share it with you...
I was invited to work with the students of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy last month, to help them be more comfortable with working with the horses(Mustangs).
The Mustang Leadership Program is part of the school for girls, that uses different teaching styles to help the students blossom. It was an honor to share the gift of Masterson Method® bladder meridian technique with them! Each student had to give an account of their experience afterward (in front of the entire group). They learned how little is needed to have an effect on the horses, and by staying focused, they saw wonderful releases happen!
You can learn more about this program from the documentary, "When the Dust Settles"
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Jim's Last-Minute Reminders | |
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Last Minute Reminders!
We have Light to The Core Seminars coming up in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec (in French) and BC Canada, and CA, GA, SC and NC (both North and South C’s) in the U.S.
If you’re quick, and you live in Scotland, Poland or Israel you’ll be able to catch a Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar in June.
If you’re last-minute planning in Scotland at the end of June, Dr. Stephen Peters will be doing a Horse’s Brain Science Clinic. Vicky Devlin will be giving an MM demo there. You can find information on Dr. Peters' clinic at https://horsebrainscience.info/category/events/
and Vicky's weekend at South Lanarkshire WS
If you’re a little more of a planner (July) you’ll find Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminars in Hertfordshire UK, the Netherlands, and Australia coming up.
If you’re absolutely not a last-minute planner see our Calendar below for upcoming courses in other parts of the world.
And one last reminder; Mark Rashid, Dr. Stephen Peters, and Jim will be at the Happy Dog Ranch in Littleton, Colorado in July (see combined clinics below).
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) Program News | |
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MMES Program Going Strong!
MMES Seminars are popping up on the calendar and filling up fast! If you volunteer or work in an equine-assisted services program, this course is for you!
You’ll learn both how to help your program horses feel more comfortable in their bodies AND how to facilitate an equine-assisted learning activity for program participants who want to learn how to observe the horse and give back to the horse with the Bladder Meridian Technique.
Photos from Montrose, Colorado course
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Congratulations to Lise Lunde and Katie Fallon, our Bridle Paths Host, who will be co-presenting at the 2023 International PATH Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lise and MM have been selected to present several times - keep up the good work!
Their presentation, “Ways to use Equine Bodywork in Your Program to Benefit Horses and Humans”, will be presented at the 2023 International Conference in October. Conference dates are October 26-28. We'll post more details as soon as possible.
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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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Light to the Core in the UK | |
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Vicky Devlin is busy teaching courses, mentoring, coaching - and so she decided to add ONE more thing to her schedule: Light to the Core!
The first weekend was a great success - but don't worry if you missed it. She has another one coming up soon (probably September in South Wales). Keep your eyes on the newsletter and the website and we'll post it ASAP!
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There's a comedian in every crowd... | |
Masterson Method Comedy Corner | |
Here's a new section in the Newsletter - send in your funny stories or photos and they may be featured here! After all, a giggle a day keeps the horses at play! | |
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Best Quote
"Something always happens when you do nothing."
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Now that's what Jim means by "Hind End Yoga"!
(from recent WS in Canada)
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"I think I LOVE you!"
WS in Visalia, California
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"May I please use your arm as a shelf?
Thank you."
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Caught between a rock and a hard place!
(from Vicky's LTC)
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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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Lieselotte (Lot) Cnops, MMCP
Dainfern, Gauteng, South Africa
Unlike most horse lovers, my journey with horses did not start during my childhood. Only when my son started horse riding, I came in contact with these beautiful creatures. I fell in love with an Icelandic horse meant for my son. Looking for ways to connect with her, I found out one of Jim’s videos on the bladder meridian, and that’s where I discovered the power of the Masterson Method®. I was amazed how it helped me to make a strong connection with my horse in a relaxed way.
My family and I moved from Belgium to South Africa for my husband’s job and I had to stop working as molecular biologist/researcher. In South Africa, I had time for my new passion, and I broadened and deepened my equine knowledge. I participated in the Masterson Method® weekend seminar in Johannesburg, and successfully completed the 5-day seminar and certification course in the UK. Besides that, my days were filled with a lot of horse related activities: horse riding lessons, equine studies (grooming, yard management, horsemanship), horse training on the ground, straightness training, anatomy courses– allowing to transform my passion into a new carrier. As equine bodyworker, I am motivated to help your horse to release tension and perform better.
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Bernadette Hartman, DVM, MMCP
West Des Moines, Iowa
Dr. Bernadette Hartman is a gifted Master Soul Intuitive, Spiritual Teacher and Holistic Veterinarian who works with both humans and animals. Through her professional experiences working with thousands of clients and animals worldwide, as well as her personal experience healing herself, Dr. Bernadette uncovered the deep soul reflection that animals share with humans – and how to support each one’s healing and spiritual journey. Dr. Bernadette offers services for animals & humans.
Dr. Bernadette’s unique ability to blend her veterinary clinical experience and numerous certifications and trainings in eastern healing modalities, with her intuitive insights of the Soul, offers profound and lasting transformation for her clients. Dr. Bernadette is highly sought after for her intuitive abilities, life changing insights and ability to work on the soul level of humans and animals – supporting their highest healing journey, on a physical and spiritual level.
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Jennifer Hough, MMCP
Ledbury, Hertfordshire, UK
Jenny was pony mad from an early age and helped at her local riding school as soon as she was old enough. As soon as she could, she took her BHS qualifications and qualified as a BHSAI in 1990, however life then got in the way for some years.
Eventually she found her way back to horses, borrowing them where she could to continue riding, teaching and learning as well as exploring new directions like liberty and clicker training. It was whilst working with a very anxious Connemara and looking for ways to connect that she stumbled across the Masterson Method® and bought the book Beyond Horse Massage by Jim Masterson.
Despite not really having a clue, over the next 6 months she practiced with this Connemara and witnessed a transformation in his behaviour and her relationship with him (and now he loves his cuddles – see the photo!)
She bit the bullet and attended the Weekend Seminar and was hooked/obsessed from the start. Eighteen months later, Jenny qualified as a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner and still loves every session with every horse.
Jenny lives in Herefordshire and covers the 3 counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.
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Ali Brown, MMCP
Wilmslow, Cheshire, UK
I have always loved horses and ridden whenever the opportunity arose – on holidays trekking during my childhood, and then regular lessons as an adult, interspersed with trips to Wyoming to ride at a wonderful ranch near Grand Teton National Park.
About 15 years ago I was delighted to be able to buy my first horse, Lily, who taught me a huge amount! Over the intervening years I’ve had some adventures with classical dressage, fun rides (don’t be fooled by the name…) and natural horsemanship, however when I came across Jim Masterson’s gentle methods, I felt I had found my true haven. Now I spend my days working with friends’ horses, and volunteering my services at a local equestrian centre that provides lessons for disabled riders, as well as having fun with Topaz, my beautiful Appaloosa mare!
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Interested in taking a course? Here are a few testimonials that might convince you!
Masterson Method® is something every horse owner should have in their tool box. Anyone can do the majority of the techniques and that is what is so awesome. Receiving the feedback from the horses is priceless.
(Weekend Seminar)
It is an amazing and effective way of helping horses be their best, using easy techniques that virtually anyone can do. The instructors are kind, patient and positive. The teaching materials are thorough and easy to read, with references to videos and books if you want more information. You’ll change the way you interact with your horse!
(Advanced 5-Day Course)
I highly recommend the equine specialist course to anyone wanting to further their equine connection.
(Equine Specialist Course)
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Weekend Seminar-Workshop Schedule | |
* 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
June 17-18 Dexter, MI
June 17-18 Los Angeles, CA
June 24-25 Natural Bridge, VA
June 30-July 1 Brush Prairie, WA
July 15-16 Middleboro, MA
July 22-23 Litchfield, ME
July 22-23 Coatesville, IN
July 29-30 Brigham City, UT
August 5-6 Buxton, ME
August 5-6 Tunnel Hill, GA
August 12-13 Cleveland, NC
August 19-20 Portola Valley, CA
August 19-20 Callaway, MD
August 26-27 Fort Collins, CO
August 26-27 Custer, SD
September 2-3 Las Vegas, NV
September 9-10 Kiowa, CO
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 Lyons, GA
October 14-15 Salado, TX
October 14-15 Thompson's Station, TN
October 21-22 Knoxville, IA
October 21-22 Fayette, MO
October 21-22 Lothian, MD
October 28-29 Freeville, NY
US 2024 Courses
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 21-22 Langley, BC
October 21-22 Saint-Charles-sur-Richelieu, QC (in French)
Canada 2024 Courses
June 1-2 Puslinch, ON
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Asia 2023 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
Australia & New Zealand 2023 Courses
July 8-9 Queensland, AU
August 5-6 Fish Creek, VIC, AU
August 12-13 Glenreagh, AU
August 19-20 Elimbah, AU
September 2-3 Napier, NZ
September 23-24 Dunedin, NZ
European 2023 Courses
June 17-18 Rzeszyce, Poland (in Polish)
June 24-25 South Lanarkshire, Scotland
July 1-2 Meerbusch, Germany
(in German)
July 1-2 Hartwerd, NL (in Dutch)
July 15-16 Hertfordshire, UK
August 12-13 Klosterneuburg-Weidling, Austria
(in English w/German translation)
August 12-13 Lanškroun, Czech Republic (in Czech)
September 2-3 Egestorf, Germany
(in German)
September 7-8 Ruinerwold, NL
(in Dutch)
September 9-10 Tübingen-Pfrondorf, Germany
(in German)
September 16-17 Ouwerkerk, NL
(in Dutch)
September 16-17 Brockenhurst, UK
September 23-24 Orcemont, FR
(in French)
October 7-8 Braňany, Czech Republic (in Czech)
October 7-8 Terradelles, Spain
(in English with Spanish translation)
October 21-22 Vorden, NL
(in Dutch)
October 21-22 Frickingen, DE
(in German)
October 28-29 Emkendorf, Germany
(in German)
Middle East 2023 Courses
June 18-19 Meshek, Israel
June 21-22 Nitzane Oz, Israel
(in Hebrew and English)
South Africa 2023 Courses
September 9-10 Johannesburg, ZA
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Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | |
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USA 2023 Advanced Courses
July 10-14 St. Charles, IL with Becky Tenges
September 18-22 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
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
December 4-8 Las Vegas, NV with Sandy Vreeburg
European 2023 Advanced Courses
July 17-21 Hertfordshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
August 14-18 Oberhausen, Austria with Vicky Devlin
(in English and German as needed)
August 21-25 Aßlar-Oberlemp, Germany with Walter Saxe (in German)
September 18-22 New Milton, Hampshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
October 4-8 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
October 16-20 Egestorf, Germany with Walter Saxe (in German)
Canada 2023 Advanced Courses
August 21-25 Calgary, AB with Lori Hoppe
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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Certification Completion Course Schedule | |
Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | | |
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USA 2023 Courses
June 24-25 Victor, ID
July 15-16 Monroe, GA
July 22-23 Seneca, SC
August 26-27 Fort Wayne, IN
September 23-24 Vass, NC
November 4-5 Cottonwood, CA
December 2-3 Vass, NC
European 2023 Courses
(Check back for upcoming Light to the Core Courses)
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Canada 2023 Courses
June 24-25 Guelph, ON
June 24-25 Calgary, AB
September 3-4 Saint-François-Xavier-de-Brompton, QC
(in French)
September 16-17
Campbell River, BC
Canada 2024 Courses
April 20-21, 2024 Calgary, AB
May 4-5, 2024 Rockwood, ON
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | |
Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | |
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USA 2023 Collaborative Clinics
July 11-13 Littleton, Colorado Considering The Horse: Mind And Body, Littleton, CO July 11-13, 2023 with Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid
July 14-16 Littleton, Colorado Your Horse’s Brain: Littleton, CO July 14-16, 2023
with Dr. Stephen Peters, Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson
October 20-22 Arroyo Grande, California Your Horse’s Brain: Arroyo Grande, CA October 20-22, 2023
October 23-25 Arroyo Grande, California Considering The Horse: Mind And Body, Arroyo Grande, CA October 23-25, 2023 with Jim Masterson, Mark Rashid and Dianne Adel
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Masterson Method Expos and Demos | |
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USA and European 2023 Expos & Demos
MMCP Demonstrations
June 17 Breitried, Switzerland Masterson Method® Demo With Brigitte Bisig
June 20 Blowing Rock, North Carolina Masterson Method® Demo with Khrystynna Hunsinger
June 25 Bend, Oregon Masterson Method® Demo with Katrina Hays
July 2 Bend, Oregon Masterson Method® Demo with Katrina Hays
July 6 Cheshire, United Kingdom Masterson Method® Demo with Ali Brown
July 8 Ooltewah, Tennessee Masterson Method® Demo with Stephanie Wilkins
July 22 Harrison, Tennessee Masterson Method® Demo with Stephanie Wilkins
September 2 Parker, Colorado Masterson Method® Demo with Laura Grant
September 9 Signal Mountain, Tennessee Masterson Method® Demo with Stephanie Wilkins
October 21 Breitried, Switzerland Masterson Method® Demo With Brigitte Bisig
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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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