Hello All,
Was able to take a short break from the “dog book” in March to make a trip to The Hole in the Sky Ranch in Caliente, California where I hooked up with Mike Dunne, MMCP Will Friday, horse trainer Mike Henrie and veterans Emery Blanchard and Cari Simmons. We brainstormed on Mike Dunne’s Equine Empowered Therapy program for veterans. Masterson Method® is collaborating with Mike on a couple of projects. One provides occupational training in the equine industry to veterans, and this latest program hooks veterans up to work with mustangs being readied for adoption.
“EET utilizes natural horsemanship and rescued horses to provide programs that achieve therapeutic success, education, vocational training and relief from PTSD in Southern California.”
Hole in the Sky aptly describes the ranch set in the clouds at 4600 feet in the Sequoia National Forest at the lower end of the Sierra Nevada range. It’s a couple hours’ drive from anywhere through open mountains and cattle range. Only traffic to watch out for is the four-legged kind, which makes the drive kind of nice. Road range replaces road rage.
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After that short trip, I'm back in the office, chained to the desk, writing the dog book…What else is going on around here?
Over Here
This side of the pond and north of the 49th parallel we have Light to the Core Seminars scheduled for May in Campbellcroft, ON, and June in Calgary, AB and Langley, BC.
Light to the Core Seminars are a new addition to our educational line up. They are guided hands-on instruction in the light-touch techniques demonstrated in the Light to the Core video. The less pressure used, the less resistance offered, the deeper the horse senses, the deeper the tension released. Simple! The horse tells you where it’s holding tension and tells you when it’s releasing. All you have to do is pay attention and have patience.
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It’s effective and fulfilling for both you and the horse. |
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Here’s a short video of MMCP Amelia Nalli demonstrating the effect that lighter touch can have on the horse’s body:
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Canadian Instructor Lori Hoppe helped to develop the Light to the Core Seminar. She’s on a roll teaching them in Canada right now and we’ll be catching up and scheduling them down here shortly, so stay tuned. We’ll also soon be having LTC taught in French in Quebec with our Instructor Sylvie Valliéres.
Congratulations to three new Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar Instructors we have South of the northern border. Kathy Tow in Cohutta, GA, Khrystynna Hunsinger in Franklinton. NC, and Kelly Jefferson in Georgetown, TX. All three recently finished teaching Seminars to raving reviews. I think raving means good, which means courses in their areas will be filling up soon.
Kelly’s course attracted special interest from a spectator named Lucy… Lucy Goosey.
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The barn had a goose called Lucy Goosey. She’s like people. She stayed with us the entire weekend. Some of us cried when we left her.
Instructor Amy Alford has a Seminar scheduled near Aromas, CA and a second one in June in Lahaina, Hawai'i. It’s been a while since we’ve had a Seminar in Hawai'i. If you’re looking for a good horse-excuse to go to Hawai'i, there you have it.
(Read more about these instructors below).
Masterson Method Equine Specialist
If you’re involved with equine assisted learning or therapies you might be happy to know that we’re scheduling more Masterson Method Equine Specialist courses around the country. On these 3-day courses you learn how to practice basic Masterson Method techniques with horses in equine-assisted activity or therapy (EAAT) programs AND how to help EAAT program participants (clients, students, volunteers). These techniques help the horse to release tension, and they build trust and deepen connection with the client or participant. We’ll soon be adding MMES course Instructors in Georgia, Maryland and California to make these courses more accessible to those interested. If you volunteer or work at a EAAT program or facility and are interested, check out the course schedule below or go to our website for more info.
Over There
The UK
On the other side of the pond, we’ve been busy in the UK with Weekend Seminars…
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Excuse me - what are my numbers? |
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Below are photos of our UK Team. As you can see, they take things seriously in the UK. |
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Special Thanks to Instructor Vicky Devlin |
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Side-note: I don’t remember the horses being this large in the UK, but the photos don't lie. |
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....That explains it.
The Netherlands
Vicky’s currently in the Netherlands teaching a 5-Day Advanced Course with Advanced Instructor Masja Fick. Vicky and Masja will be teaching the course this week at Emiel and Chaja Voest’s Freestyle Riding Academy in Ruinerwold, Netherlands (whew, that’s a mouthful).
The Academy has a beautiful facility and a unique and comprehensive riding program that fits very well with our way of working with horses. A nice combination.
Chaja is a trainer and riding instructor, and a MMCP and Masterson Method Instructor.
More going on in the Netherlands:
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Masja Fick will be teaching a Weekend Seminar in Denburg on 14-15 May.
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Lucie Klaassen will be teaching a Weekend Seminar in Vorden, also 14-15 May.
As of today there’s still room in both of their courses and they’re both wonderful Instructors, so take your pick. Once you’ve chosen, go here : )
Masja Fick was already a trained and experienced osteopathist when she took her qualification in The Masterson Method®.
Lucie Klaassen was and is a horse and human trainer whose philosophies and methods blended well with the Masterson Method of working with horses.
Between Masja, Lucie and Chaja we’re developing quite a Team in the Netherlands.
Go Team Netherlands! I wish I were there!
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Down Under
We’ve been getting lots of emails from Australia these last two years saying, “Crikey, rattle your dags and get back down under!” I don’t know what that means, but all I can say is, “Fair dinkum, we’ll be down soon!”
Things are opening up Down Under. We have a Weekend Seminar scheduled for June at Neddy Park Equestrian Centre in Laceby, Victoria with Instructor Pam Martin, and Vicky Devlin will be heading over in September with more Weekend Seminars and an Advanced Course. Soon the ball will be rolling once again in Victoria, NSW and possibly Queensland.
Instructor Nadine Vollmerg is rolling along in New Zealand with Weekend Seminars scheduled in Christchurch 21-22 May, and Cambridge 30 April-1 May.
More on Down Under in the next Newsletter.
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Back Home
If you’ve ever called the office with questions about Weekend Seminars you may have spoken with our amazing Seminar Support Person Kelsey McDade. Kelsey’s been with us for over 5 years and does an AMAZING job. We couldn’t get along without her. Sad news is she’s moving to Austin, TX. Good news is she’ll continue to be our Seminar Support Person! We’ll miss having her in the office, but we won’t miss her working for us… Wait, that doesn’t sound right. I mean, we won’t miss her working for us because she’ll still be working for us from Austin. We have the technology. And we still have Kelsey. Thank you, Kelsey, for being there for us.
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Kelsey on Payday!
As I said, the dog book is keeping me busy and will keep you informed. Nature continues to tease us with warm days, giving Annabelle and Jeremiah a chance to get me out on the buggy. A couple weeks ago they took me up the road to visit some friends they haven’t seen since last year.
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Until next time, like me,
Enjoy your friends and your horses.
Jim
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New Weekend Seminar Instructors |
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Weekend Seminar in Poland |
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Here are some happy faces in the sunshine! These Weekend Seminar students gained great insights through the instruction of Beata Filonowicz in Rzeszyce, Poland.
Thank you students and Beata for continuing this great work through a difficult time.
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MMCP Demo - Stephanie Wilkins |
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Stephanie did several demos at the Southern Equine Expo in Murfreesboro, TN.
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The Southern Equine Expo was held on Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20 just outside of Nashville, TN in Murfreesboro, TN and centered in the heart of southeastern horse country. The Southern Equine Expo brings horse enthusiasts from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Tennessee. And they aren't kidding, I met so many wonderful horse people from all over the area and many who came from other states (clinicians, practitioners, vendors and guests). |
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It was such a rich experience to attend and to be able to have a booth and to offer two one-hour Masterson Method Demonstrations on Friday and Saturday of the Expo. I asked people who stopped at my booth, and before I began each demonstration, how many people knew of The Masterson Method®. I would say 40-50% said that they were acquainted with MM. Those who were not were very interested to see what it was all about. I had two wonderful horses that were my demo partners, Tawny a beautiful Appaloosa from Sevierville, TN and Romeo a beautiful Tennessee Walker from Murfreesboro, TN. I think the thing that excited me the most throughout the entire weekend was meeting and talking with horse owners who were simply interested in how to best support their horses and how to make them happy, comfortable and healthy.
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Tawny - photo courtesy of Allison Foster |
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Romeo - photo courtesy of Karis Powell |
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Romeo and Stephanie - photo courtesy of
Amy Hicks
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An Update from Raymond Quesnel |
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Raymond said this about the Weekend Seminar he recently attended:
It was a truly exhilarating program! After having watched countless hours of Jim’s videos and YouTube presentations, seeing Leslie working where we could actually see her techniques and the results attained cemented my idea of what the Masterson Method® is really all about and I am now doubly glad I chose this modality! This seminar was also made very helpful by the participation of Kie Farms personel who made it so easy for us to meet and work on their steeds (and steeds they were!). Totally honored to be a Masterson Method affiliate and practitioner!
(Raymond with Maverick)
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More beautiful artwork from our very own Jo! Is that a horse with horns? Hmmm.... |
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...nope - it's a Highland Cow. I shoulda known! |
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MMCP Demo - Mary Lynn Coughlin |
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The demo went very well. :) 10 people attended, we worked with 4 horses over about 2 hours. Everyone seemed to have fun with it as they realized they could make a better connection with their horses. Even the hyperactive one settled down while the other 3 went to sleep.
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Sounds like a great success - congrats Mary Lynn! |
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Another Great Testimonial |
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Cyndie shared this with the office: I did it! He did it! It happened. Huge release from poll with air gap pressure. Then went a little closer. More release. Super cool 😎
I had no one to tell so I'm sharing my excitement with you.🤩
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...and Another MMCP Does a Demo! |
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Raelene Paris had to reschedule a demonstration due to weather...here is her success story:
It was a great day with perfect weather (especially grateful for this after the last one got snowed out on us back in January!) I received positive feedback from attendees that it was very informative and they enjoyed it very much - as did I!
The first part was a whole horse demo explaining each technique I was doing and why, and highlighting the things I wanted them to learn and try on their own horses (BM, TMJ point, withers wiggle, LCF, HEP). The second part was having them come up and practice those techniques before going home. Really fun! I was invited back in the Fall for another demo with the possibility of a Bring-Your-Own-Horse type setup where participants bring their horse and practice techniques (those outlined in the demo guidelines as appropriate to teach).
Great job, Raelene!
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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.
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Monique Valentine, MMCP
Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Hello! My name is Monique Valentine. I have recently established Copper Equine Bodyworks, LLC in southeastern Wisconsin. My journey to help horses with bodywork began as an adult, and I have dedicated myself to learning these skills since 2015. The Masterson Method® opened up opportunities for me to learn and grow in my horsemanship and, very unexpectedly, with knowing and trusting myself (thank you, thank you, thank you!!).
Working with and for horses has been my aspiration and being able to learn and push myself with each horse on the path to certification has been a blessing! I am a perpetual student of riding technique, English and Western disciplines, softness and communication during the care, handling and husbandry of a herd, during groundwork and in the saddle. I have special interests in working with rescued and aged equines, and applied anatomy and biomechanics as it relates to all forms of bodywork.
I am very excited to be able to give back to these amazing animals by sharing The Masterson Method® with all equines (and their people, too!)
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Bobbie Long, MMCP
Etna, Wyoming
I was born and raised in Etna, WY and still reside here with my husband and children. I learned to ride before I could walk and have been fortunate enough to always have had a horse in my life. Even my husband knows the best remedy if I am a bit over stressed; go out for a ride. Nothing is more relaxing and helps me reset like time in the saddle with a beloved equine partner. I have been blessed with always having a close connection with horses and love learning how to improve it.
I have competed in a variety of western disciplines. Such as reining, working cow horse, ranch versatility, extreme trail and outfitting trail rides. In order to help my horses perform at their best during training and competitions, I have tried many different professionals to help meet my horses’ needs but never found something that fully met my desired results no matter how frequently treatments were performed. This led me to start exploring other methods where I took a chance on a weekend course with the Masterson Method®. I dove into the program head first after the weekend course. I love to learn and am always working to improve my skills. A favorite quote of mine is from one of Louis Lamour’s books stating, “I am just an ignorant man, just trying to become less ignorant.” I lead my life to follow this quote knowing you can never have too much knowledge or too many learned skills.
With my riding background and gained knowledge from becoming a Certified Masterson Method Practitioner, I approach riding, training, teaching and working on horses with a whole new perspective. It has improved my eye on the ground, as well as my feel in the saddle for issues and limitations that need to be addressed. The Masterson Method® allows for bodywork to be done that helps keep horses’ mobility and muscle tension functioning at its best.
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Steve Bayliss, MMES
Winchester, Virginia
Unlike many of his colleagues, Steve’s love of horses began late in his life. About 12 years ago, he had the opportunity to occasionally take the daughter of a close family friend to her riding lessons. He began recording her training classes, listening to the interactions, watched her refine her riding skills and eventually followed her to competitions in Virginia, where she is now a barn manager and an Area II Eventer. While observing her gentle, relaxed, but firm demeanor, she set the stage for Steve to find his own place “in the barn.” Thank you, Jessie!
Two days after retiring from a financial services company in March 2021, Steve started volunteering at a PATH facility in Boyce, VA - Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. In May of that year, Natalie Conca, a MMES from Midlothian, VA came to the barn to conduct a training session for horse owners and staff. He witnessed the positive reactions from the horses and the deep horse/human connection achieved with the techniques.
He began his own certification training at Bridle Paths, outside of Leesburg, VA and is now continuing the journey of bringing integrated bodywork to equine therapy horses. Steve has had the opportunity to work with equine therapy and performance horses, and the results are truly wonderful to observe. He loves the calming and relaxing effect our bodywork has on the horses, while allowing him to be patient and completely present in the stall. Steve finds great satisfaction in bringing this gift to our hard-working equine therapy horses.
He is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, framed by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. Steve looks forward to continuing his path to certified practitioner and is available to barns and facilities in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
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Laura Leaven, MMES
Shephardstown, West Virginia
My name is Laura and I am originally from Newmarket, England; headquarters of the King of Sports!
I first began admiring the strength and agility of a horse as an early morning spectator on the gallops at Warren Hill. I soon after began professional riding lessons and showed in both Show Jumping and Dressage. Within my lesson center, we began to offer therapeutic riding, and that is where I assisted with riding for the disabled.
I came to the USA as a very nervous 22-year-old. I soon found my way, purchasing horses and rehabilitating them. I began with sports massage in 2010 and branched out to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor in 2016. I learned about The Masterson Method® through a very bright young lady that came to provide an Introduction to Masterson Method® seminar, where I teach. I knew that this certification could help me link my 32-year horse experience with my 18 years working in mental health, and that not only could I help to illuminate self confidence in people, but bring a gift to equines simultaneously.
I'm currently working through the certification path and hope to see new clients soon.
I am so grateful for the Masterson Method Equine Specialist certification and look forward to serving the tri-state area of WV, VA, and MD.
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Interested in taking a course? Here are a few testimonials that might convince you!
To be truthful I have attended many workshops in different modalities and there is not one thing I would change in your presentation. This program is outstanding. (Equine Specialist Course)
Thank you so much for the quality that makes the Masterson Method® courses so special! I am a believer in the benefits of the Masterson Method® principles and techniques and am so grateful to be on this journey!
(Advanced 5-Day Course)
You have to experience it to get it. (Weekend 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.
Reminder: there will likely be a course price increase on certain courses this year.
More information will be provided soon.
Worried about COVID19? Read our COVID precautions and info here:
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USA Seminars
Canada Seminars
(taught in French)
(taught in French)
(taught in French)
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European Seminars
(taught in German)
(taught in Dutch)
(taught in Dutch)
(taught in German)
(taught in Dutch)
(taught in German)
(taught in French)
(taught in German)
(taught in Dutch)
Australia & New Zealand Seminars
South Africa
(Check back for upcoming Weekend Seminars)
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Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule |
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USA Advanced Courses
October 31-November 4 Tucson, AZ with Vanessa Helvey
European Advanced Courses
June 6-10 Rzeszyce, PL taught in Polish with Beata Filonowicz
with Walter Saxe
October 24-28 Egestorf, DE taught in German with Walter Saxe
Canada Advanced Courses
Australia & New Zealand
(Check back for upcoming courses)
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Certification Completion Course Schedule |
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USA Courses
August Fairfield, IA TBD
Canada Courses
(Check back for upcoming courses)
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European Courses
(taught in German)
September 17-19 UK TBD
(taught in German)
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Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule |
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USA Courses
(Check back for upcoming courses)
Canada Courses
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European Courses
(Check back for upcoming courses)
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule |
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Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics |
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USA Collaborative Clinics
Considering the Horse: Mind & Body with Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid
Your Horse's Brain: A User's Manual with Dr. Stephen Peters, Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson
Considering the Horse: Mind & Body with Dianne Adel, Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid
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Masterson Method Expos and Demos |
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USA and European Expos & Demos
Taught in Swiss German and German
Taught in Swiss German and German
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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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