7 Fast Facts About Masterson Method Equine Bodywork

In the aftermath of our barn evacuation due to Canyon Fire 2, I had the opportunity to meet a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner based in Southern California. Will Friday of Performance Equine Bodywork generously donated his services to several wildfire affected horses, my Thoroughbred Knight included. It was interesting to watch the session and to see how much Knight LOVED it. The softness in his eye and his overall posture indicated to me that he was in heaven.

(All photos and video by Lady Photographic. This post contains affiliate links.)

After his session with Will Friday of Performance Equine Bodyworks, Knight was ready for a nap.

What exactly is the Masterson Method?

Prior to meeting Will, I didn’t know very much about the Masterson Method. I had heard of it, but didn’t know what it was all about. I regularly schedule chiropractic adjustments for Knight and I have a couple of friends who practice equine massage, so I was interested in learning more to figure out how it is similar to and different from chiropractic care and massage. The following points are what I learned based on Knight’s session with Performance Equine Bodywork. It was really interesting.

There is a video at the end of this post with about a 5 minute snippet of Will working on Knight. I apologize for Knight looking like a zebra. It was an extremely hot day and he had been hosed off and I didn’t have a chance to brush him out first. But I encourage you to watch it until the end because there’s a funny story.

7 Fast Facts about the Masterson Method

1. It’s kind of like physical therapy for your horse.

By physical therapy I mean the practitioner and the horse partner together to achieve stretches relieving tension and allowing for relaxation. There is no forcing of movement, so perhaps I should say it’s more even more gentle than physical therapy.

Notice Knight’s tongue licking. He was really “into” his session.

2. There are similarities between the Masterson Method and traditional massage therapy, but it’s less “invasive” than some massage techniques.

Massage is wonderful and I try to go to the local foot massage places near me to de-stress and make my feet happy. However, there have been a couple of times when the pressure was simply too hard. Once I was convinced the man was trying to kill me by crushing my ribs–I think he leaned all of his weight into my back. (These foot massage places in SoCal also do a brief overall body massage, in case you were wondering how my ribs almost got crushed during a foot massage. But I digress.)

The intensity of that massage was so shocking that I couldn’t even squeak out a “Less pressure, please!” In contrast, the practitioners of the Masterson Method are trained to be very in tune with the horse’s body language and responses since horses don’t have the audible language to say, “Less pressure!” They do not apply a zealous deep tissue massage pressure. (So your horse won’t think someone is trying to kill him!)

3. Masterson Method practitioners go through rigorous training in order to be certified.

There are several steps grouped together in three distinct phases in order to be certified as a Masterson Method practitioner. It takes from nine to eighteen months for most people to complete the program. In addition to learning everything on equine anatomy, there are written tests, field work, as well as hands-on evaluation of techniques used in the bodywork. As Will spelled out in detail each of the phases he journeyed in this process, I thought, “Wow! That requires dedication.”

4. Founded by Jim Masterson.

Jim Masterson, who created the methodology, has been an Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 through 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and competitors in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions. Jim is also a popular speaker at various horse events like Equine Affaire and Horse Expo and is the author of Beyond Horse Massage.  He has also created educational videos on the subject of equine bodywork. In short, he’s a leading horse health guru.

5. Beneficial for ALL horses, not just elite athlete equines.

During Knight’s session, Will shared with me a story about a time when he and other bodywork practitioners had a chance to practice their craft on therapy horses. He said it was a really touching experience in that these horses are really the unsung heroes of the equestrian world. They dutifully perform their jobs for humans and don’t necessarily get the accolades (i.e., show ribbons) they deserve. He said it was an emotional experience seeing how much the horses loved and appreciated the techniques to relieve their tension. From race horses to draft horses and everything in between, although based in Topanga Canyon, Will practices on horses of all disciplines from Central California down to San Diego.

Horse hug! Actually, it’s a nice stretch.

6. Horses love it!

I feel fantastic after a yoga class filled with lots of stretching (child’s pose is my fav). I have noticed that I sometimes feel taller afterward and more relaxed. Horses don’t have the luxury to grab their mats and head to the studio, obviously. But they can experience the same chill state that we humans gain by enjoying a Masterson Method session with a skilled practitioner.

7. This technique of equine bodywork is practiced around the globe.

To find a practitioner near you click this interactive map.

And now for the video. . .

I Recommend Performance Equine Bodywork

If you live in Southern California, I would highly recommend reaching out to Will to schedule a time to have him do a Masterson Method session for your special steed. Will has a very calm demeanor, and it took Knight all of zero seconds to warm up to him.

In addition to being trained and certified in the Masterson Method and having a practice since 2009, Will studied Equine Science at Pierce College. He is a knowledgeable horseman and well versed in equine nutrition as well. You will learn a ton of information from interacting with Will, and I guarantee your horse will love the session. Check out testimonials from happy horse owners when you click here. 

Please Leave Your Comment: Do you and your horse have any personal experiences with the Masterson Method? What did you think?

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