jimgood2 The Masterson Method™ 5-Day Advance Course

(Phase 1 of Certification Course)

Course Description

This is an advanced, practical course for people with a desire to learn and perfect the techniques used in the Masterson Method™ of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™. The course was initially designed for those with prior certification in equine massage, and/or human therapists with horse experience. We have since opened the course to anyone with experience handling horses and a solid knowledge of equine anatomy.

These techniques are used successfully by Jim Masterson on Nation's Cup, Pan American, World Cup and World Equestrian Games equine competitors to improve performance.

This is not a basic equine massage course. It is an advanced course designed to take what you already know of anatomy and biomechanics, and learn hands-on from Jim, techniques that will increase your success in bringing about positive change in the movement and performance of the horse.

During this course you will also perfect your ability to recognize and use responses of the horse to your touch, and perfect your ability to enable the horse to participate in the process of releasing tension.

Course size is limited to ensure one-on-one instruction.

This is a results-oriented method of bodywork; you get results in the responses of the horse during the work, and results in their performance after the work.

This is also a results-oriented course. Our goal is for you to leave this course with a systematic method, and the ability to use this method to make a difference in the horse, a difference to the owner or trainer, and for those going for 5-Day Advance Course (Level I of Certification Course), a difference in your business as an equine therapist.

color_ncbtmbWe are now accredited through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Organization (NCBTMB) for Continuing Education Credits.

 

 

 

Prerequisites: 

Certification Path

To become a Certified Practitioner of the Masterson Method™ you must complete the requirements of all Three Phases of the course (Phase I, II & III detailed below) and demonstrate proficiency in all of the techniques taught.

Non-Certification Path

If your goal is not certification, but you are interested in learning techniques that will benefit you and your horse, you may also take the Five-Day Advance Course. It is available to anyone wanting to improve performance and relationship with their horse, and you will not need to meet all the requirements for Certification.

However, whether you are planning to complete all Three Phases for Certification or just the Five-Day Advance Course for Non-Certification, you still must meet the following basic physical and horse-handling requirements.

First Prerequisite - Horse Experience

You must have enough experience with horses that you are able to safely and comfortably perform the techniques taught in the course. Ability to perform the following activities will give you an idea of what is required. You should be able to:

  • trot a horse in-hand
  • put a halter on an unfamiliar horse
  • work in an enclosed space such as a stall, with an unfamiliar horse
  • pick up and handle the fore and hind feet and legs of an unfamiliar horse
  • hold a leg long enough to examine the foot and leg

The Five-Day Advance course also requires a certain level of physical fitness. To give you an idea of the physical requirements needed to successfully complete the course, what would be required would be roughly equivalent to all of the following.  Any one of these you should easily be able to do:

  • Thirty minutes of cross training with weights
  • Thirty minutes of Pilates with hand weights or bands
  • One hour of serious riding (not a gentle hack out)

 

Course Outline: 5-Day Advance Course
(Phase 1 of Certification Course)Masterson Method Level 1

5-Day Advance Practical Training:

Approximately $1975 for US courses. £1300 for Courses Listed in the United Kingdom
See Calendar page for listings  

Five days of practical training with Jim. This is spent almost entirely working on horses. You will learn where to look, what to look for, and how to release and clear issues that most affect performance.

You must be in good physical shape to meet the demands of these five days.  You will be working with horses every day, and almost all of each day. It is physically demanding and we want you to be aware of this and be prepared for it.

Time Breakdown: Approximately 15 to 20% will be spent on lecture, including:

  1. The anatomy of key junctions of the body that most affect performance; the poll/atlas/axis, the neck/shoulders/withers junction, and the sacroiliac/sacro-lumbar junction and major muscles associated with that junction.
  2. The principles and mechanics of release in the muscles and connective tissues of the horse, different levels of pressure, recognizing and using the responses of the horse to touch, and how our use of pressure, movement and position causes a muscle or junction to release.
  3. Initial and final evaluations, primary issues vs. secondary issues, and pain vs. restriction in the body.

Approximately 80 to 85% will be spent practicing and perfecting techniques and advanced techniques on multiple horses with a range of issues.

Following are topics that will be covered during both the lecture and practical parts of the course:

  • Initial Evaluation
  • By-passing the survival response
  • Nervous reflex, and adoptive response
  • Working on different body types
  • Manipulation and Release
  • Important: Head Shy Horses
  • Pain and behavior
  • Pain vs. restriction
  • Relationship of primary issues to secondary issues
  • Feet, and pain in the body
  • Touchy issues like saddle fit and pain in the body
  • Other joints and junctions in which restrictions are commonly found
  • Follow ups
  • Final Evaluation - Putting it all together

 

Required and Suggested Reading and Viewing for the 5-Day Advance Course

Required:

  • The Horse’s Muscles in Motion, Sara Wyche  (Excellent anatomical and mechanical drawings and explanations of biomechanics)
  • Beyond Horse Masssage, by Jim Masterson (DVD)  Can be purchased here on the website.
  • Beyond Horse Massage, Jim Masterson with Stefanie Reinhold Book.  Can be purchased here on the website.
  • Whole Horse DVD series, Jim Masterson (7 DVD Series) Can be purchased through Masterson home office by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information on purchasing and costs.
  • One good anatomy reference book such as: Horse Anatomy: A Pictorial Approach to Equine Structure, by Peter Goody.

Suggested:

There are numerous books on equine massage and bodywork. Any background reading on position release, myofascial release, neuromuscular, craniosacral, acupressure, bio-dynamics and muscles and movement will help. Below are some suggestions:

 

Registration & Tuition:

Please see our 2012 Calendar page for scheduled Level I Courses.

Contact Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 641-472-1312 during office hours of 9am-noon Central.

Tuition is due in full 4 weeks prior to the beginning of course. A deposit of $250 is required upon acceptance of application.

Registration

 

Courses Registration Download Forms

Download Level 1 Course Application, fill it out and email it back to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phase I Course Application DOC

 

 

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