Masterson Method™
Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork
Level I Certification Course
Course Description
This is a practical course for people with prior certification in equine massage, human therapists with horse experience who are interested in learning and perfecting the techniques used in the Masterson Method™ of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™.
These techniques are used by Jim Masterson on Nation's Cup, Pan American, World Cup and World Equestrian Games (Endurance) competitors to release stress in key junctions of the body that most affect performance.
This is not a basic equine massage course. It is an advanced course designed to take what you already know of anatomy and biomechanics, and learn hands-on from Jim, techniques that will increase your success in bringing about positive change in the movement and performance of the horse. Experience handling horses and a solid knowledge of equine anatomy are required to enroll in this course.
During this course you will also perfect your ability to recognize and use responses of the horse to your touch, and perfect your ability to enable the horse to participate in the process of releasing tension.
Course size is limited to ensure one-on-one instruction.
This is a results-oriented method of body work; you get results in the responses of the horse during the work, and results in performance after the work.
This is also a results-oriented course. Our goal is for you to leave this course with a systematic method, and the ability to use this method to make a difference in the horse, a difference to the owner or trainer, and a difference in your business as an equine therapist.
Prerequisites
Before taking the course you must have:
- Training or certification in equine and/or human anatomy and a solid knowledge of equine anatomy and biomechanics. You may take this course without having prior Certification in Equine or Human Massage, but you will not receive Certification in the Masterson Method™ of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™ unless you have, or receive within a year of taking the Level I Course, an Equine or Human Massage Certification.
- You must have prior experience with horses. You must feel comfortable picking up the hind and front legs, and feel at ease working in a stall with a horse.
- Prior participation in a Masterson Method™ Weekend Seminar-Workshop is required. Ideally, applicants will have already taken the workshop well in advance of the Course and had time to be able to practice some basic techniques. If you have not been able to participate in a Weekend Seminar-Workshop before applying, talk to us and we will try to make arrangements for you to attend one before the Level I course.
- A pulse, a willingness to learn, and a sense of humor.
Course Outline
Phase I Practical Training
Five days of practical training. This is spent almost entirely working on horses. You will learn where to look, what to look for, and how to release and clear issues that most affect performance.
Time Breakdown: Approximately 15 to 20% will be spent on lecture, including:
- The anatomy of key junctions of the body that most affect performance; the poll/atlas/axis, the neck/shoulders/withers junction, and the sacroiliac/sacro-lumbar junction and major muscles associated with that junction.
- The principles and mechanics of release in the muscles and connective tissues of the horse, different levels of pressure, recognizing and using the responses of the horse to touch, and how our use of pressure, movement and position causes a muscle or junction to release.
- Initial and final evaluations, primary issues vs. secondary issues, and pain vs. restriction in the body.
Approximately 80 to 85% will be spent practicing and perfecting techniques and advanced techniques on multiple horses with a range of issues.
Following are topics that will be covered during both the lecture and practical parts of the course:
- Initial Evaluation
- By-passing the survival response
- Nervous reflex, and adoptive response
- Working on different body types
- Manipulation and Release
- Important: Head Shy Horses
- Pain and behavior
- Pain vs. restriction
- Relationship of primary issues to secondary issues
- Feet, and pain in the body
- Touchy issues like saddle fit and pain in the body
- Other joints and junctions in which restrictions are commonly found
- Follow ups
- Final Evaluation - Putting it all together
Phase II Interactive Field Work
You will practice in the field techniques you have learned on at least 30 case studies. This will include keeping a record of the initial evaluation, description of the work done including responses and results, follow-up work if needed, feed-back on noticeable results or changes in performance, and final evaluation. Jim will be available for consultation on issues or questions that come up during field work. For evaluation during the course of your field work he will need to view two video-taped sessions.
Phase III Proficiency
Phase III will be conducted at the initial course location. Course length will be determined according to the student's needs, but normally it will run over a 5 day period as in Phase I. Proficiency in the Masterson Method™ techniques taught during Level I will be required to earn a Masterson Method™ Certification. The proficiency evaluation and any final instruction can be arranged through the Masterson Equine Services office. An Advanced Level II Certification Course will be provided when enough students are ready to continue on to the next level.
Students will be asked to assist in teaching at least one Masterson Method™ Weekend Seminar-Workshop. Teaching others is an excellent way to solidify what you have learned. It also provides an opportunity to demonstrate and practice your proficiency in the techniques.
As we develop the Masterson Method Seminar-Workshop program around the country, we may have a need for trained instructors. This may provide an opportunity for those who are interested and have the ability to teach the Masterson Method™.
Required and Suggested Reading for the Level I Course
Required:
- The Horse’s Muscles in Motion, Sara Wyche
- Equine Massage for Performance Horses: The Masterson Method (DVD)
- A good muscle/neural/skeletal/biomechanical reference book of your choice.
Suggested:
There are a lot of books on equine massage and bodywork out there. Any background reading on position release, myofascial release, neuromuscular, craniosacral, acupressure, bio-dynamics and muscles and movement will help. Below are some suggestions:
- Release the Potential - A Practical Guide to Myofascial Release for Horse and Rider, by Doris Kay Halstead and Carrie Cameron.
- Physical Therapy and Massage for the Horse, by Jean-Marie Denoix and Jean-Pierre Pailloux (good bio-mechanical concepts, diagrams and drawings).
- The Horse - Structure and Movement, by R.H. Smythe and P.C. Goody (good structure, joint and ligament drawings)
Tuition
Tuitions vary depending on facility and travel expenses. Please see our 2008 Calendar page for scheduled Level I Courses and tuitions.
- Tuition is due in full 2 weeks prior to the beginning of course.
- A deposit of $250 is required upon acceptance of application.
Course Application
The following questionnaire is your application to the Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™ Level I Certification Course.
You may complete this form online, or download the PDF file, print and return to:
Masterson Method
57 ½ North Court
Fairfield, IA 52556
While it is important to ensure that participants have sufficient knowledge and background to make the course worth their while, this information will also help us to present the course in a way that will compliment participants’ individual knowledge, background and goals.
Keep in mind that the basic prerequisites are prior certification or training in anatomy, and prior background and experience with horses. You don’t have to be a 30 year veteran to take this course.