equine

Bodywork Services

 

Massage & Bodywork

The Masterson Method® is bodywork that listens to and addresses your horse's needs. As a certified practitioner, I offer gentle and effective bodywork services to help horses:

  • Release accumulated stress and tension

  • Improve performance — mobility, suppleness, evenness, balance, and impulsion

  • Improve behavior and attitude — often caused by pain in the body

This is a great offering for all types of horses in all kinds of jobs. It can help horses recover from the winter hardships in cold climates (in Minnesota that’s pretty much a given!) or a long trailering journey, just following a dentist visit, between chiropractic visits, between lessons or shows, etc.

In the Masterson Method® integrated equine bodywork we use "light touch" and range-of-motion (ROM) techniques in such a way that bypasses the horse's flee/freeze response to release deeply held and accumulated tension. We have over 100 techniques for the whole horse, but more importantly, we use awareness, intention, and mindful presence with our technical skills to connect with and listen to the horse's body to better release tension and improve ROM. We also can help pinpoint primary issues that may be causing pain or restrictions in the first place.

Here’s how it works: I meet you at the barn, you bring your horse in from wherever and lightly groom to prepare for the session. I typically work where the horse is most comfortable and where it’s quiet (i.e., in the stall when there’s no feeding). You’re welcome to watch the session. I’ll provide my analysis afterwards via email, and I hope to hear from you what changes, if any, you discovered in your horse in the days following. From there we can decide on the optimal treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

Masterson Method® is not a substitute for veterinary care — we may refer owners to their veterinarian, dentist, farrier, or other providers depending on what the horse is showing us.

Hands-on Interactive Demos

I enjoy sharing how The Masterson Method can enrich your relationship with your horse, and improve your horse’s performance and overall wellbeing. The ideal demo has 4-8 people at your barn and involves hands-on practice of several simple techniques. This work can be a complete paradigm shift for some: you might see and relate to your horse in a completely new way!

Contact Me if you’d like to discuss bodywork for your horse and/or hosting an interactive demo at your barn.

Intake Form

If you scheduled a bodywork session for your horse with Megan, please fill out this Intake Form before their first session. Thank you!

Optimal Scheduling

My sessions are typically around 90 minutes in length. It's best if your horse is not at all hungry when I begin (has had plenty of free choice hay or grass in the hours prior to the session), and also not expecting a regularly scheduled meal (grain) by the end of the 90 minutes. So if dinner is typically fed at 4pm, we should start no later than 2pm.

Optimal Setting

As for location, wherever your horse is most comfortable is typically best. I do not work on cross-ties as I want the horse to be able to move around between or during techniques. If your horse is comfortable in their stall, that can work great. If they need a companion, it may be best to have a friend within view in a nearby stall. If your horse prefers being outside and the weather is suitable, we'll need an area free of grass and loud noise or activity.