Masterson Method Equine Bodywork
The Masterson Method® is a unique type of bodywork that works with the natural instincts and physiology of the horse. This holistic approach to equine massage emphasizes an interactive process where the horse's responses to the practitioner's touch are key to identifying and releasing built-up tension that impacts performance. The horse engages actively in the tension-release process, creating a collaborative experience rather than a passive one. The horse's cooperation is vital for achieving the best results. The Masterson Method pays particular attention to three key junctions of the body that most affect performance, namely the poll-atlas junction, the neck-shoulder-withers junction, and the sacroiliac junction.
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Benefits of the Masterson Method:
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Builds connection, fostering a strong bond of trust and relationship between the horse and human.
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Relieves pain through identifying and alleviating muscular discomfort.
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Enhances athletic performance by releasing muscular restrictions; improving flexibility, suppleness, and mobility; and increasing the range of motion in key joints.
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Protects the horse from muscular strains, injuries, and damage to tendons and ligaments.
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Enhances posture and body alignment by releasing unilateral tension and restriction
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Improves circulation and lymphatic function.
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Promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.
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Reduces discomfort inducted stress, promotes relaxation and a sense of wellbeing
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Addresses behavioural issues that originate from muscular discomfort by eliminating the pain factor.​
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Booking a Session and Other Information
Booking a MM Session
for Your Horse
To discuss how Masterson Method Equine Bodywork can benefit your horse, or to schedule an appointment, please contact me using the Chat box on the right of this page. I am based in Norfolk, England, but also cover Suffolk and part of Lincolnshire. Alternatively, I can put you in touch with a fellow MMCP practitioner. Once we have agreed on a time for your horse's appointment, I will send you a 'New Client' form. Please return this form to me at least 48 hours before your horse's appointment.
Things to Note
It is better to schedule full bodywork sessions at least 4-5 days before a competition to allow the horse (and you) to adjust to a different feeling in his/her body. Just like humans, some horses experience some sensitivity after a massage, so ideally he/she should have at least a day off from hard work or training after a session. The purpose of Masterson Method bodywork is to enhance performance in the healthy horse. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any health concerns with the horse should be referred to your vet. The Veterinary Surgeon's Act of 1966 specifies that a vet is the only person authorised to diagnose and treat an ailment or disease in your horse. If your horse is recovering from an injury or illness, veterinary approval may be required prior to the session.
Before the Session: Preparing Your Horse
Your horse should be in the stable/yard and be reasonably clean. (However, please do not groom him/her less than 1/2 hour before the appointment as grooming may dull responses and make it harder to evaluate him/her.) If possible, please remove food and hay from the vicinity prior to the session. Eating interferes with the horse’s responses and makes it harder to read his/her body language. Water should be available as horses often become thirsty during a bodywork session. It is best for you to be present for the first session so that you can introduce me to your horse and reassure him. This will also allow you opportunity to see what I am doing and to understand how your horse is benefitting from the session. In subsequent sessions, unless the horse is particularly reactive, you won't have to stay with us for the whole session - but of course you are welcome to stay if you want to.
During the Session:
What to Expect
​Before beginning the session I will usually carry out a short evaluation of your horse's body. This will help me identify the areas that are most reactive. Reactions to palpation do not necessarily mean there is a problem; like people some horses are very expressive, while others are more reserved. I will gather information through touching your horse and observing his/her responses to my touch. Some horses are very stoic and will not share much information during the evaluation. The bodywork session will then be used to help build a picture of the horse's current body state. I will look for tension patterns, restrictions, asymmetries, and areas of discomfort. While the reasons for discomfort will sometimes be evident from the horse's history and/or activity, it may take time to understand why the horse is using his/her body in a compensatory way. If I have any specific concerns that are outside my remit as a bodyworker, I will suggest that you call in your vet or the relevant member of your horse's health care team. Many times issues can be traced to simple things like a saddle needing adjustment, hooves needing a trim, or teeth needing to be floated. I will treat the entire horse during a bodywork session. Often, the muscle that seems the most sore is compensating for an underlying issue. So don't be too puzzled if you think your horse has a problem in his hind end but you notice that I am working on the front end. Everything is connected, and a full-body treatment helps to create an overall balance in the body.
During the Session:
Do's & Don'ts
Much as you love your horse, please try not to touch or interact with him/her while I am working; it makes it much harder for me to read his/her body language. Your horse's responses to my interventions tell me where and what kind of help he/she needs from me; inform me of pain or restricted areas; and show me if he/she is relaxing or releasing tension and restriction within his/her body. I will always let your horse guide me as to how I should proceed. If he/she says 'No!' to a technique, it is not naughty, and the horse does not need to be corrected. Rather, it is communication, telling me that for some reason, touch is really uncomfortable there. Sometimes it will take more than one session before the horse will accept touch in an area he/she is protecting, and I will try various techniques in other areas to make it easier for him/her to accept my offer to help. During the session my focus will be on your horse, so I might not talk to you. Please don't think I am ignoring you; rather, I am paying attention to what your horse has to say. I will often pause between techniques so that he/she can process changes, and that will be a good time to ask questions or share insights.
After the Session
Your horse may be thirsty after a session, so offer him/her some water. ​ Your horse should be turned out for a couple of hours after his/her session. If this is not possible, he/she should be walked in-hand for 10-15 minutes. Equine bodywork is much like peeling layers off an onion. Sometimes there is an immediate improvement after one session. But if the horse has pain or restriction issues, it will probaby take more than one session to fully relieve them.  How often bodywork is needed is determined by whether the tension patterns noted are primary or secondary issues, the causative factors in those tension patterns, the horse's work load and his/her level of training. Results in bodywork are gradual, and for lasting results more than one session is normally needed. Chronic issues generally take longer to resolve than acute problems, and unless the causative factors are removed, problems will recur. For example a horse who is competing at a high level may have sore muscles afterwards, just like a human athlete, and bodywork is a vital part of his/her training and health maintenance. An elderly horse with arthritic changes in the joints may tend towards stiffness and lack of flexibility, setting off a negative spiral in which he/she is less and less enthusiastic about movement. Regular bodywork will help to keep your veteran horse more supple and comfortable. Bodywork is not a magic cure, but it can certainly make a big difference to your horse's overall health and sense of well-being.
Finally...
Never forget that YOU are the most important member of the team of professionals who care for your horse. I will happily discuss the session with you, answer your questions as far as I am able, and send you a copy of the session notes upon request. If it seems useful I will show you things you can do to help your horse until his next session. ​Your feedback after a treatment is highly valued as it allows me to tailor each bodywork session to your horse's specific needs, so please do share your thoughts and opinions.