February 2025 Equine Newsletter | |
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Hello All,
Although Spring has not yet sprung we have a lot of things planned for the next few months. One of those things happens (whether we plan for it or not : ) to be Valentine’s Day. While I appreciate the sentiment, Valentine’s Day has always been just a little bit too fuzzy and cuddly and, well… squishy for me. I found that Jeremiah felt the same way when I tried to show my sentiment and appreciation for him this week…
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"That's it! Softness!"
One of the things that Jeremiah does appreciate is softness, which is why I bought him the Perspectives on Softness and Connection Valentine’s Day Special three-part webinar with Mark Rashid and me. Actually, I didn’t, but I thought it would be a good segue into it. You can find out a lot more below, if you fell for it. The webinar went very well, we had more people than we planned, and was recorded for people like you (who don’t sign up early!).
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For the last few years Mark Rashid and I have been doing collaborative clinics in which we evaluate and talk about movement patterns in participants’ horses before bodywork and lessons. These clinics came about after a conversation I had with Mark shortly after we first met. He was telling me how, after watching horses move that were brought to him for training issues, he would (more often than he liked) tell the rider that he couldn’t - or wouldn’t - help with the training issue, because he could see that there was some physical impairment or restriction that was part of the issue. He felt it wasn’t helpful to ask the horse to cover up something that was going to either come back or show up later as a physical or lameness issue. The rider could end up fighting against something for years that had a physical component.
We do these clinics now where, as we’re working with the horses that come into the clinic, we talk about what we’re seeing in the movement and how what we’re seeing might be affecting a training or behavioral issue. After this evaluation the horse gets bodywork and training. I think the best deal to be had at the clinic (after the horse) is by the auditors, who get to see six horses evaluated, worked with, and trained all while sitting in the sun, drinking electrolytes, or mint juleps – which are not provided. And did I mention, the clinics are fun!
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I bring this up because we have another three-day clinic – we call them "the Mark and Jim Show" – coming up in Cave Creek, Arizona at the end of February and another at Happy Dog Ranch in Sedalia, Colorado in July.
I also bring this up as a segue into another webinar we’ll be doing in March on easy ways to evaluate movement in horses, and how what we’re seeing can affect what we’re asking the horse to do. This will include a question-and-answer session for people who have questions, or who want answers. If you’re interested in webinars or clinics, there’s more info here and below.
Registration for auditors to attend the Collaborative Clinics, and webinar registrations, is hosted on Mark's website: www.markrashid.com.
Overseas
Will be at the Equitana Horse Expo in Germany on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 6, 7 and 8, doing demonstrations and hanging out with our publisher Kosmos, and our digital partner WeHorse. If you’ve never been to Equitana I have to warn you… it’s crazy! Seven days, huge halls, 30,000 sq meters - 325,000 sq ft in ‘merican - and hundreds if not thousands of exhibitors and dozens if not dozens of clinicians, and all non-stop!
Equitana Essen
Three days is about all I can handle, then I’m out of there for the Netherlands (short drive) for two demonstrations and a Weekend Course with our Instructor Masja Fick.
And that’s just MY schedule. We also have Instructors teaching courses in (alphabetically) Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany (don’t miss the one in Frickingen), Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and the UK (whew!).
Next Door… Canada
I’ll be presenting at Horse Expo Canada in Red Deer, April 25, 26 and 27, and the three days following will be presenting at a collaborative with trainer Josh Nichols. We’ll have more on that in next month’s newsletter, but if you’re familiar with Josh you might want to pencil in those dates.
Horse Expo Canada
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Back Home
Idaho Horse Expo, April 4, 5 and 6. I’ll be doing presentations there for the first time and looking forward to it. I like going out west.
Idaho Horse Expo
Will also be at the Western States Horse Expo in Rancho Murieta, California again in June. That’s about as far west as I go this year… except I may be back doing something at Anita Parra’s Big Horse Ranch in Arroyo Grande, California, in the fall.
Anita’s got a busy schedule going this year with Josh Nichols in February, Patrick King in April and Gin Reschke in May. Check out her website for these and future plans.
Big Horse Ranch
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Starting Off on the Right Foot
It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to horses or old to horses, you never stop learning. Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) Laura Fitch has written an essential horse book called, The Essential Horse Book that covers, well… all the essentials of horse ownership and care. Whether you’ve been around horses a lot or are a youngster still learning, this is a good reference book to have on the shelf for yourself and the horse people you hang around with.
You can find out more about the book on Laura's website: Laura A Fitch
And did you know March 1st is National Horse Protection Day? Natalie will talk more about that, and other stuff, below. Check it out!
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That’s about it for this month. Hope you’re all enjoying this crazy winter/spring.
Until next month, like me,
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New Product: Perspectives on Softness and Connection | |
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Part 1: Softness - Discover how softness in bodywork and training enhances communication and performance.
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Part 2: Connection - Learn how to deepen the bond with your horse through mindful techniques in both bodywork and training.
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Part 3: Q&A Session - Listen to Jim and Mark answer viewer questions in this engaging, interactive session.
This unique collaboration is a rare opportunity to learn from two masters
who share a passion for understanding and honoring the horse.
Streaming Product Only - Available Worldwide
Cost: $95
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March 1st - National Horse Protection Day | |
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National Horse Protection Day highlights the plight of horses in America and beyond. The day aims to help thousands of unwanted horses in this country find forever homes.
Best Friends Animal Society is just one of many organizations caring for animals, rescuing them, helping them find new/forever homes, or reuniting them with owners after difficult/tragic life events.
Here is a wonderful Fairy Tale ending for three horses from their website:
Best Friends Fairy Tale
Jim might find it a bit, well, squishy...hope you enjoy it!
HOW TO OBSERVE HORSE PROTECTION DAY
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Learn more about horse adoption.
- Volunteer at a horse rescue near you.
- Donate your time, services, or money to the cause.
- Share information to help prevent abuse and neglect of horses and find homes for those in need by using #HorseProtectionDay to post on social media.
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Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES) and MM Fieldwork Student, Laura Spielman works with the U.S. Navy to incorporate the Masterson Method into their program for service people experiencing PTSD.
She was recently featured in an article on CanvasRebel - we hope you enjoy the article.
Congratulations Laura!
CanvasRebel
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MMCP Amber Anderson has an article about her work and the Masterson Method in the Winter 2025 Edition of Equine and Canine News (pages 10-11).
We love how our Practitioners spread the word - and techniques - of MM to humans, horses and hounds!
Well done Amber!
Equine and Canine News
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This month, as we release the new 3-part video series ‘Perspectives on Softness and Connection’ with Mark and Jim, we’re sharing ‘Uncovering Softness’, an article by MMCP Crissi McDonald. Crissi is a clinician, author, photographer, and indie publisher - and she also happens to be married to Mark!
This blog was originally published on her website in 2020 and honors the work she and Mark do with their horses.
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Upcoming March Webinar with Jim & Mark | |
“Evaluating Equine Movement: Simple Techniques for Horse Owners” | |
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Unlock the Secrets of Equine Movement with Jim Masterson & Mark Rashid!
Join renowned horsemen Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid for an exclusive two-part webinar this March 2025, where they dive into a key topic from their collaborative clinics: evaluating horse movement and symmetry.
Gain expert insights from two unique perspectives:
- Mark Rashid will share his approach from a training and biomechanics standpoint.
- Jim Masterson will offer his expertise in equine bodywork and movement assessment.
Each two-hour session will provide practical, easy-to-use techniques to help you better understand your horse’s movement. The second session will also feature a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and deepen your learning.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from two of the industry’s most respected experts!
This course is in development, and will be posted on Mark’s website soon (dates, times and cost). “Unlock the Secrets of Equine Movement” has limited availability, but if you register for Mark’s newsletter, you can be among the first to sign up. www.markrashid.com
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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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Anoeska Zijlstra, MMCP
Franeker, Netherlands
Paarden hebben altijd een bijzondere plek in mijn leven gehad. Ik herinner me nog de allereerste keer dat ik als meisje van 6 op een pony mocht rijden. Het was liefde op het eerste gezicht – niet alleen voor het rijden zelf, maar ook voor de tijd die ik met de paarden doorbracht. De geur van de stal, het geluid van herkenning, het borstelen… alles voelde magisch.
Horses have always had a special place in my life. I still remember the very first time I was allowed to ride a pony when I was 6 years old. It was love at first sight – not only for the riding itself, but also for the time I spent with the horses. The smell of the stable, the sound of recognition, the brushing… everything felt magical.
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Sasha Laurin, MMCP
Kamloops, BC, Canada
“She bonded with horses on a molecular level”….
Something my dad likes to say – referring to a time when I was 5 or 6 and wandered into the field at a family friends’ farm to sit myself under the belly of a grazing draft horse.
I didn’t come from a family of “horsey” people. We don’t know how or where the obsession came from but I did just about anything I could from a very young age to get to the barn. Most of my free time outside of school during my formative years was spent mucking stalls in exchange for riding time and lessons.
Fast forward a few decades and I bought my first horse, living on beautiful Vancouver island, British Columbia. An off the track thoroughbred mare named Lillet.
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Marja Kuhl, MMCP, MMES
Wittingen, Germany
Hallo und willkommen,
Ich bin Marja Kuhl und lebe im Landkreis Gifhorn in Niedersachsen / Deutschland und bin seit April 2024 sowohl Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Equine (MMCP), als auch Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES).
Hello and welcome,
I am Marja Kuhl and since April 2024 I am both Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Equine (MMCP) and Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES).
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Claudia Drieẞen, MMCP
Aachen, Germany
Hallo, ich bin Claudia und wohne in der schönen Eifel in der Städteregion Aachen.
Da mein eigenes Pferd immer wieder muskuläre Probleme und diffuse Lahmheiten hatte, habe ich mich 2019 entschlossen eine Ausbildung zur Physiotherapeutin für Hund und Pferd zu machen. Im Juli 2022 habe ich die Prüfung mit dem Schwerpunkt Pferd erfolgreich abgelegt.
Hello, I’m Claudia and I live in the beautiful Eifel region of Aachen.
Since my own horse kept having muscular problems and diffuse lameness, I decided in 2019 to train as a physiotherapist for dogs and horses. In July 2022, I successfully passed the exam with a focus on horses.
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Jean-François Ripouteau, MMCP
Gif sur Yvette, France
A horse I was sharing a few years ago was licking and chewing when I was moving my hands softly around his body… and then was yawning!
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Anja Jungkamp, MMCP
Rhede, Germany
I came in contact with horses at the age of 5. I trained horses and gave riding lessons many years.
Now I am 56 and riding or teaching was no longer enough for me. I was missing something. I wanted to give something back to the horses.
So I took part in a 4-day Horses Speak Seminar and was very touched. After that I signed up for the 1-year Academy.
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Emily West, MMCP
Belton, Texas
A lifelong horse lover, Emily spent her early years getting as close as she possibly could to every horse she met — or reading every horse book (and mystery novel) she could get her hands on.
She found the Masterson Method® while looking for ways to help her own mare release restriction and move more easily; although she walked into the Weekend Course as a skeptic, Emily was immediately hooked by how gentle and effective the Masterson techniques are.
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Petra Monschau, MMCP
Nümbrecht, Germany
Im Jahr 2019 durfte ich das erste Mal die Masterson Method® kennenlernen und war sofort fasziniert.
Pferde begleiten mich schon mein ganzes Leben lang und es war mir immer wichtig, auf deren Bedürfnisse einzugehen.
In 2019, I was introduced to the Masterson Method® for the first time and was immediately fascinated.
Horses have been with me all my life and it has always been important to me to respond to their needs.
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Teresa Alvarez, MMCP
Lausanne, Switzerland
I was born in Madrid. Eleven years ago, I moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, where I still live.
What I love most is spending time in the meadows with my horses and the rest of the herd. At those times, I am just ‘being’, living in the present, as horses do.
Je suis née à Madrid. Il y a onze ans, j’ai déménagé à Lausanne, en Suisse, où j’habite toujours.
Ce que j’aime le plus, c’est passer du temps dans les pâturages avec mes chevaux et le reste du troupeau. Dans ces moments-là, je ne fais qu’« être », je vis dans le présent, comme le font les chevaux.
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Claudia Kraft, MMCP
Ingelheim, Germany
I‘ve been fascinated by horses ever since I was a child. Only through my daughter I did get the chance to take riding lessons, and my childhood dream came true when we bought our own horse.
Ich bin seit meiner Kindheit von Pferden fasziniert. Erst durch meine Tochter kam ich zu der Möglichkeit selbst Unterricht zu nehmen und mein „Klein-Mädchen-Traum“ wurde Realität als wir uns ein eigenes Pferd kauften.
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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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Tina Peratino MMES
Gambrills, Maryland
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Hi, I’m Tina, founder of Withers and Wellness, where I combine my passion for horses, as well as human mindfulness, and personal growth to offer transformative equine-assisted coaching experiences.
With over 30 years of coaching experience and a lifelong love of horses, I’ve built a practice that focuses on fostering connection, resilience, and self-discovery.
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"I learned so much about horses in just a few hours. I was able to immediately apply what I learned to my own horses."
Weekend Course Student Testimonial
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USA 2025 Courses
West
March 29-30 Solvang, CA
April 19-20 Las Vegas, NV
April 27-28 Koloa, HI
May 3-4 Waikoloa, HI
May 3-4 Sedalia, CO
May 3-4 Pleasant View, UT
May 31-June 1 Penn Valley, CA
June 21-22 Victor, ID
August 2-3 Colorado Springs, CO
August 30-31 Portola Valley, CA
September 6-7 Ceres, CA
October 25-26 Sedalia, CO
Southwest
February 22-23 Salado, TX
October 11-12 Driftwood, TX
Midwest
March 1-2 Rapid City, SD
March 22-23 Sebeka, MN
April 5-6 Elgin, IL
April 5-6 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
October 18-19 Freeville, NY
Southeast
March 15-16 Canton, GA
March 15-16 Leesburg, VA
March 29-30 Youngsville, NC
April 5-6 Delray Beach, FL
May 3-4 Perryville, AR
May 3-4 Youngsville, NC
May 3-4 St. Augustine, FL
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
Ontario
May 17-18 Fitzroy Harbour, ON
May 31-June 1 Mulmur, ON
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)
April 19-20 Loučná nad Desnou, CZ
(in Czech)
July 12-13 Bílé Karpaty, CZ
(in Czech)
September 20-21 Bošilec, CZ
(in Czech)
France
April 12-13 Parly, FR
(in French)
July 19-20 Sion-les-Mines, FR
(in French)
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)
August 16-17 Egestorf, DE
(in German)
Netherlands
March 11-12 Uddel, NL
(in English with Dutch translation)
July 5-6 Bedum, NL
(in Dutch)
September 27-28 Ouwerkerk, NL
(in Dutch)
October 18-19 Vorden, 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
May 10-11 Cheshire, 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
June 21-22 Gidgegannup, WA, 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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"Don’t hesitate, do it now! Even if you don’t plan to certify,
your horse will love you for it."
Advanced 5-Day Course Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Advanced Courses
March 10-14 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
March 24-28 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
April 21-25 Murfreesboro, TN with Kathy Tow
June 2-6 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
June 23-27 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
July 21-25 Pequot Lakes Area, MN with Becky Tenges
November 3-7 Austin, TX with Becky Tenges
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
June 2-6 Elimbah, QLD, AU with Emma Young
October 13-17 Elimbah, QLD, AU with Vicky Devlin
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)
June 18-22 Frickingen, DE with Silvia Hamm (in German)
July 7-11 Orcemont, FR with Caroline Hébert Bernard (in French)
August 25-29 Orcemont, FR with Caroline Hébert Bernard (in French)
September 16-20 Rzęszyce, PL with Beata Filonowicz (in Polish)
October 4-8 Egestorf, DE with Walter Saxe (in German)
November 8-12 Aßlar-Oberlemp, DE with Silvia Hamm (in German)
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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"Fabulous course that has opened my mind to new approaches with horses. I have been using the techniques I learned and I believe it has improved my relationship with my horses. I have really learned to listen to even the most subtle responses and they have noticed!"
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
October 18-19 Freeville, NY
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
July 5-6 Green Valley, 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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"You can 'talk' with your horse. It is almost magic. The effects are immediate & tangible. In some ways it feels like you’ve discovered a superpower that lets you & your horse help each other."
Equine Specialist Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Courses
March 21-23 Richmond, IL
May 16-18 Montrose, CO
June 20-22 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
September 19-21 Warwick, NY
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)
Fridays at 11:00 am CT Apr 4, 11, 18 with Stef Watts
Mondays at 5:00 pm CT Apr 14, 21, 28 with Valissa Willwerth
Saturdays at 11:00 am CT May 3, 10, 17 with Amelia Nalli
Introducing Movement 2025 Course Dates
Mondays at 5:00 pm CT Mar 10, 17, 24 with Valissa Willwerth (full)
Saturdays at 2:00 pm CT May 10, 17, 24 with Kalin Finsand (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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