The Masterson Method Explained for Equine Massage and Horse Care

3 Facts About The Masterson Method Equine Bodywork

It is easy for us, humans, to describe and communicate what we experience after a soothing yoga session or a revitalizing massage; our bodies typically feel relaxed and rejuvenated, sometimes even taller! However, this is not the case for animals. To remedy this, many techniques dedicated to animal well-being have been developed; the Masterson Method is one of them. 

This approach to equine bodywork focuses on building trust between horses and their human counterparts. By relieving built-up tension in core muscles and key junctions, a few sessions with a certified trainer can resolve years of stress and stiffness. Additionally, the horses’ performance and ability to communicate and bond with humans will notably improve. 

1. Physical Therapy For Your Horse

The Masterson Method works with both humans and horses to help the latter relieve tension and relax. Because the stretches and exercises consist of soft, non-forced movements, this technique has long been considered a gentle form of equine physical therapy. 

2. Beneficial For All Horses

From racehorses to draft horses, these noble animals still perform a wide variety of jobs that are often overlooked. The intensity of these tasks can put an excess of pressure on their bodies, thus leading to built-up tension, injuries and behavioral problems. 

Through delicate stretching and massage techniques, the Masterson Method provides  horses with gentle tension relief, making them feel loved and helping them regain confidence and overall well-being. 

3. The Most Non-Invasive Technique Around 

Masterson Method practitioners are rigorously trained to ensure they achieve excellent results. They can, therefore, interpret horses’ body language and responses; this allows them to proceed with care and apply just the right amount of pressure while massaging and stretching the animal’s body. 

Book Your Equine Bodywork Massage Session With Our Certified Therapists!

At Dharma Massage of Westport, CT, we use a gentle approach to make horses feel comfortable and in harmony with their caregivers. By inviting the horse to move through resistance, we allow them to find their own relaxed state. 

Contact us today to learn more about equine bodywork; our friendly staff is looking forward to talking to you! 

FAQ About the Masterson Method

How does the Masterson Method work?

The Masterson Method is an interactive method of equine massage and bodywork designed to help the horse relieve tension in key areas of the body. It works by focusing on the horse’s responses to light touch and movement, particularly at key junctions of the horse’s body that most affect performance. Practitioners use gentle techniques that engage the horse’s nervous system to find and release accumulated tension, improving mobility, posture, and overall comfort.

What are the core principles of the Masterson Method?

The core principles of the Masterson Method center around active participation and interaction with the horse. Practitioners learn to recognize and use the responses of the horse to apply bodywork at the key junctions of the body. These responses help guide the process and ensure the treatment is effective. This method of equine bodywork encourages muscular and structural balance, allowing the horse to relax, perform better, and develop a stronger partnership with its handler.

What is the Masterson Method for dogs?

Though originally developed for horses, the Masterson Method has been adapted as a gentle modality for dogs. Similar to equine massage and bodywork, it focuses on using an interactive method to find and release tension. By paying close attention to the dog’s responses, this approach can help improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and support overall wellness. The treatment works well for aging dogs, canine athletes, or pets recovering from physical stress.

What is the Masterson Method in science?

In scientific and veterinary contexts, the Masterson Method is viewed as a form of equine performance bodywork that integrates principles from body mechanics, soft tissue therapy, and neuromuscular response. It is a method of equine bodywork that supports the horse’s natural healing abilities by working with the nervous system to relieve tension and restore alignment. This makes it a valuable complement to traditional veterinary treatment for improving equine mobility and performance.

What does it mean to bend a horse?

To bend a horse means to guide its body into a balanced curve, usually through the poll, neck, and spine, while in motion. Proper bending is essential for disciplines like dressage, as it promotes flexibility, muscle development, and balance. When a horse has accumulated tension in key junctions, it can limit the ability to bend. Techniques from the Masterson Method help release this tension and improve the horse’s ability to move freely and in alignment.

What is the bladder meridian in horses?

The bladder meridian in horses is part of a technique used in the Masterson Method to locate and release areas of tension. It involves gently tracing a line along both sides of the horse’s body, which corresponds to a pathway in traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners observe the responses of the horse as they work along this area, helping to identify places where stress has accumulated. The bladder meridian technique allows the horse to release tension naturally and enter a more relaxed state.