Body Work

Liz is a certified equine specialist (MMES) and can come to your facility to do lower level bodywork and show you how to help your horse through the use of a simple touch.

The Masterson Method® is an innovative form of equine massage that allows the horse to release deep, accumulated pain and tension in muscles and connective tissue.

In Chinese medicine, there are twelve primary acupuncture meridians in the body. The Bladder Meridian is one of the major acupuncture meridians that has a unique effect on balancing the other acupuncture meridians. It runs down each side of the body, about two inches parallel to the top line, then down the side of the hind leg, just off the centerline. We use the Bladder Meridian to begin our work on the horse. The Masterson Method secret to releasing muscle tension is by using a level of touch that bypasses the horses’ flight or bracing response and allows him to release the tension himself.

We know from experience that after the horse has shown these release responses there is more relaxation and circulation in the muscles. Range of motion is improved and often straightness is enhanced as unilateral tension or “torque” on the key junctions has released. You should feel the difference in the ride and, if you’re competing in a timed sport, a difference in the clock.   By taking the time to really focus on the horse’s responses, and having the patience to lightly wait (STAY, STAY, STAY) until the horse gives you a larger release, you will obtain amazing results.  

Throw away the clock; you’re on the horse’s time now. It can take up to a minute or more after the smaller initial response on an area for the horse’s nervous system to start to let go. Stay focused on what the horse is “telling” you during the process.  He is the leader in this dance between the two of you.  When your horse RELEASES, it’s like hitting gold.  When he begins to lick and chew, or yawns repeatedly, there can be no doubt of a correlation between your light touch and the horse’s release of tension.  

This technique is deceptively simple, but incredibly powerful. 

To watch Jim teaching the Bladder Meridian technique at a Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Seminar-Workshop visit: https://youtu.be/GPVyG37Wve0 

This rescue horse suffered from severe back strain, was very nervous, mistrusting and in a lot of pain.  Within two sessions, he was already showing relaxation and improvement, but has quite a ways to go to heal.