April 30-May 2, 2021

A global experience for MMCPs and Fieldwork Students

Platform: Zoom

Fee: $85 includes recordings of all sessions

We are excited to offer the 2021 Masterson Method Education Conference (and Conference Video Replays) exclusively for Certified Practitioners and Fieldwork Students from around the world, over Zoom. In this conference, you will be able to—

  • Have a Beer with Jim Friday night – get together with Jim over Zoom
  • Listen to our featured speakers Saturday and Sunday (all calls will be recorded)
  • Get a sneak preview and access to select lessons in our new Advanced Home Study Course, Master The Method
  • Learn about the Deliberate Practice model—strategies to “mind the gap” and improve your practice
  • Apply what you’ve learned by working on horses (you can buddy up with others or work alone) Saturday and Sunday
  • Watch the film, A Mind Like Still Water, and join a live Q&A with producer Dylan Silver and Jim (only the recorded Q&A is available to those who purchase the Conference Video Replays)
  • Meet your colleagues from around the world!

Who Can Attend

This event is open to Masterson Method Certified Practitioners and students who are enrolled in the certification Fieldwork Course.

Speakers

Jec Ballou: Exercise as Therapy, Simple Routines to Restore & Maintain Looseness

In this demo, Jec Ballou will show several groundwork and ridden exercises that activate the horse’s core in addition to increasing regularity of gait patterns. Modifications of exercises for specific equine populations (rehab, senior, etc.) will be offered. We will discuss the value of walk-only routines, Corrective Exercises, and how to build a progressive plan. The demo will make occasional reference to my book, 55 Corrective Exercises for Horses, so it might be useful for participants who already own that book to have it nearby.

Jec Ballou is a different (in a good way) kind of dressage rider and trainer. She is unique among modern trainers in, among other things, her recognition of the importance of maintaining flexibility and suppleness in the horse. Jec will be going deeper into discussing and presenting methods she uses to accomplish this, knowledge that will be of benefit to Masterson Method Practitioners and their clients.

 

Bill Stanton: Effective Communication with Owners, Veterinarians, and Other Equine Professionals

Knowing how to get results with the horse is the first and most important part of being a good bodyworker. You’re all already on the never-ending path to being an expert at this.

Being able to communicate what you’ve learned in a clear, knowledgeable and effective way with owners, veterinarians and other equine professionals is the other part, especially if you’re making a business of it. These are the people you have to work with.

Knowing what needs to be communicated and how to communicate it in a way that the person you’re dealing with will hear it is something that you will constantly be learning and refining. Sometimes it can take years before you feel comfortable – and effective – dealing with the different professions, and personalities in the horse world.

Bill Stanton has been doing this for decades. Ninety percent of his clients are performance horse owners, riders, trainers and managers, but he’s worked on or with virtually every type of horse, owner and professional and he’s ready to share the benefit of what he’s learned with us.

Bill, “I can guarantee that I’ve made more mistakes in the area of communication with owners, vets and farriers than any equine bodyworker out there.”

Jim, “I got my start in the performance horse business with Bill and I can vouch for that. I worked with Bill for nine years. He has an immense amount of knowledge to share about the horse, and now knows how to share it. This call promises to be both informative and entertaining ; )”

Bill Stanton has been involved with high level performance horses for over 35 years as vet tech and surgical assistant to Dr. John R. Steele for twenty years, and owner of the highly successful Integrated Equine Bodywork since 2003. In this talk, Bill will share his knowledge of communicating effectively with owners, veterinarians, and other equine professionals. In particular, he’ll help clarify the importance of knowing what needs to be communicated and how to communicate it in a way that the person you’re dealing with can hear it.

Deliberate Practice

In this conference, we will learn about Deliberate Practice and have the opportunity to practice it. Here’s what we mean by Deliberate Practice. Because all practicing creates new neural pathways in the brain, locking a new behavior in place, we want to practice a technique correctly.  Instead of being perfectionistic, self-judgmental and tight, deliberate practice focuses on the gap between the way someone highly competent does something and what you as a learner are currently doing.  Deliberate practice delights in that gap because once you see it, you are on the path to improvement.  Those who achieve mastery never stop noticing the gap between what can be and what they are doing, and they never stop improving. 

Liz Williams is a current Fieldwork student who has a passion for learning and skills with understanding how adults learn. Liz helped Jim create one of the exciting pillars of the new Advanced Home Study course, Deliberate Practice. She will share her concept of Deliberate Practice to help us improve our bodywork practice.

Bodywork Practice

There’s something magical about practicing The Masterson Method with a fellow practitioner or Fieldwork student. We speak each other’s language, and we can support each other in learning how to refine the techniques and our sense of feel and flow.

Since we’re not able to convene face-to-face, we’ve scheduled in several hours for you to practice bodywork on horses (with others, or by yourself). If you choose to seek out a practice buddy, we encourage you to join the Conference Facebook Group and reach out, or use the Find a Practitioner map on the website to find a nearby practitioner.

Extras! Pre-Conference Movement Session, Plus Limited Access to Film, A Mind Like Still Water

Pre-Conference Movement Lesson: Amplifying Our Softness Through Awareness

Have you wanted to find a new level of softness with your practice? Lisa First, Alexander Technique instructor and dance/movement teacher, will guide us over Zoom to find more efficient use of our body through movement, which will amplify our work as equine bodyworkers. Lisa will help us explore our structural supports and invite improved balance, coordination, a calmer presence and increased sensitivity to self, horse and environment. Participants are encouraged to find an open space and share their video during this Zoom call for Lisa to provide guidance and feedback.

Lisa First is an American Society of the Alexander Technique certified instructor in her third decade of teaching.  She is a movement specialist, a life long dance artist and equine enthusiast currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lisa has a Masters in Dance and Movement Studies from Wesleyan University Middletown, CT and a BA in Dance and Visual Arts from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH. She teaches groups and private lessons nationally and internationally.

Attendance at this Pre-Conference Movement Session is included with your Conference registration.

1 Week Access to the Film, A Mind Like Still Water

Click to watch trailer

Once a year, world-renowned duo, horse clinician Mark Rashid and equine massage therapist Jim Masterson hold a dual clinic in Littleton, Colorado. Participants Mindy and Linda come to learn how to connect better with their horses, unaware of the vulnerability it will require of them. Although they anticipate a few days of simple tips and tricks to connect better with their horses, the participants quickly realize this isn’t an average workshop and that their horses aren’t the ones who need to change.  The more Mindy and Linda connect with their horses, the more they start to question how they’ve navigated their lives outside of horsemanship. In an emotional and life-altering week, they learn the art of softening, and let go of the truths they’ve held on to, until now.

A Mind Like Still Water proves it’s never too late for change.

Conference attendees will be able to access the film (full-length, 40 minutes) from Tuesday, April 27 through Tuesday, May 4. You are encouraged to watch the film before Saturday evening when Jim and the film producer, Dylan Silver, will take your questions.

Watch the trailer (or purchase the DVD and/or lifetime streaming access) on the Masterson Method Store.

Tentative Agenda

Here’s how we plan to time the events to accommodate the worldwide community.

North American Schedule

All times are CDT or Central Daylight Savings Time. Use the Time Converter to find your local time.

Thursday, April 29 (Pre-Conference Event)

7PM CDT, Amplifying Our Softness Through Awareness, with Lisa First

Friday, April 30

6PM CDT, (N. America) Meet and Greet, with Jim

Saturday, May 1

10AM CDT, About Deliberate Practice

11AM CDT, Exercises as Therapy, with Jec Ballou

Afternoon, Bodywork Practice (on your own)

7PM CDT, Live Q&A with Mind Like Still Water Film Producer Dylan Silver & Jim Masterson

Sunday, May 2

10AM CDT, How’d It Go? Reflections

11AM CDT, Effective Communication, with Bill Stanton

Afternoon, Bodywork Practice (on your own)

7PM CDT, (N. America) Closing Thoughts, with Jim

Global Schedule

All times are UTC or Coordinated Universal Time. Use the Time Converter to find your local time.

Thursday, April 29 (Pre-Conference Event)

12AM UTC, Amplifying Our Softness Through Awareness, with Lisa First*

Friday, April 30

6PM UTC, (Global) Meet and Greet, with Jim

Saturday, May 1

Morning, Bodywork Practice (on your own)

3PM UTC, About Deliberate Practice

4PM UTC, Exercises as Therapy, with Jec Ballou

12AM UTC, Live Q&A with Mind Like Still Water Film Producer Dylan Silver & Jim Masterson*

Sunday, May 2

Morning, Bodywork Practice (on your own)

3PM UTC, How’d It Go? Reflections

4PM UTC, Effective Communication, with Bill Stanton

7PM UTC, (Global) Closing Thoughts, with Jim

* The recordings will be available by the following morning UTC.

Conference Fee

$85, includes access to the recorded presentations, and one week access to the film, Mind Like Still Water

Register Now

New Facebook Group

Just when you thought you were in enough Facebook Groups, here comes a new one. All kidding aside, we hope you can use Facebook to share your thoughts, yahoos and photos after the event. Click here to request to join the 2021 Masterson Method Educational Conference Facebook Group.

Masterson Method

Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner Canine Code of Conduct & Trademark Use Agreement


How to Sign This Document

Please carefully read the below Code of Conduct and Trademark Use Agreement for MMCP Canine,.

To sign, follow these steps:

  1. Enter your name where prompted
  2. Sign at the bottom
  3. Select "Agree & Sign” (green button in the bottom)

You will receive an email copy of your signed document as a reference. 

If you have any questions, please contact the office at 641-472-1312 or email . 

 

MMCP Canine Code of Conduct

It is our goal to bring the Masterson Method® to canines and humans in a safe, effective and professional manner, for both canine well-being and human understanding. 

High standards of ethics and professionalism are essential for the responsible implementation of activities and services provided by the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine. This Code of Conduct serves as a guide for promoting and maintaining the high quality of ethical practice, behavior and professional integrity expected of the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine. It is based on fundamental values of respect for and well-being of the human and canine client, and integrity in the field of professional canine  care as a whole. 

The Masterson Method is intended to improve performance, comfort, behavior, and well-being in the healthy dog. It is not intended as a replacement or alternative to veterinary care.

Conduct and decisions made by the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine should be consistent with The Masterson Method Code of Conduct. 

All Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canines and candidates seeking certification as a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine agree to abide by the following MMCP Canine Code of Conduct. 

, the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine will: 

  1. respect the value and dignity of all canine and human clients
  2. protect the safety and welfare of the canine and work only in the best interest of the canine 
  3. facilitate sessions in a professional and respectful manner
  4. respect the privacy and confidentiality of the client, and of all information related to the client and the canine 
  5. be truthful in the representation of her/his professional qualifications, education, and affiliations
  6. practice within her/his scope of practice and refer clients to appropriate canine professionals
  7. abide by the appropriate rules and regulatory requirements established in her/his country of practice
  8. regularly self-evaluate her/his own professional strengths and limitations
  9. commit to continuing her/his education in canine care, and to maintaining and expanding skills in The Masterson Method
  10. abide by Jim's Masterson Method Demo Guidelines available to all MMCP Canines from the equine Fieldwork website
  11. assist the client in understanding The Masterson Method Principles and Techniques, and share only Techniques deemed appropriate to be used by the client in the best interest of the canine 
  12. represent to the client as Masterson Method only the techniques and principles that have been developed and are used by The Masterson Method (when representing other, non-Masterson Method principles or techniques, clearly state that they are not Masterson Method)
  13. be truthful in advertising and marketing
  14. promote and represent the Masterson Method in a professional manner
  15. respect and support fellow MMCP Canines in the growth of their practices and of The Masterson Method organization as a whole 
  16. not provide organized Masterson Method training without specific Masterson Method Instructor training
  17. abide by the terms of the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine Trademark Use Agreement
  18. treat associates and other canine professionals and their views and opinions with courtesy, professionalism and respect.

Your signature at the bottom of this document indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by this Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine Code of Conduct.

 

MMCP Trademark Use Agreement

This is an agreement between as an individual Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine (MMCP Canine) and The Masterson Method (TMM)  on the use of The Masterson Method trademark. 

For the purposes of this agreement, the term “trademark” means The Masterson Method registered name and logo.

The purpose of this agreement is to:

  • support the marketing efforts of MMCP Canines who have completed The Masterson Method® certification course of training,
  • protect the business of the individual MMCP Canine from unauthorized use of The Masterson Method brand by non-certified practitioners or therapists,
  • protect the integrity of The Masterson Method brand.

Use of The Masterson Method trademark in general for the purposes of conducting business or advertisement of services; in print; social media; website; or other online or digital form is protected and prohibited without permission in writing from TMM. 

With this agreement, TMM grants the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Canine the right to use The Masterson Method trademark for purposes of promoting and marketing the MMCP Canine’s individual business as an MMCP Canine.

In order to clarify the distinction between,

  1. use of The Masterson Method trademark in representing the business of the MMCP Canine, and
  2. use of The Masterson Method trademark in representing The Masterson Method organization as a whole, 

the following rules have been developed. 

The MMCP Canine agrees to abide by the following rules and guidelines for use of The Masterson Method trademark: 

  • Any logo created by the MMCP Canine for their bodywork business will not resemble the official Masterson Method logo in order to distinguish it from The Masterson Method organization.
  • Any website or email created by the MMCP Canine with the words “Masterson Method” in the domain name will include something in the domain name that distinguishes it as an MMCP Canine website, and not a Masterson Method organization website or email.

For example, if the term “Masterson Method” is included in a domain name it will include the words “Certified Practitioner Canine”. 

  • Any social media platform created by the MMCPCanine  with the words “Masterson Method” in the title name will not begin with the words  “Masterson Method”, and will include something in the title name that distinguishes it from a Masterson Method organization site. 

For example, if a Facebook page contains the words “Masterson Method” in the title name, the title must begin with the Practitioner’s name, and the words “Masterson Method” must be followed by the words “Certified Practitioner Canine”.

  • An MMCP Canine who wishes to create a Masterson Method organization website, Facebook or other social media page in a country where no Masterson Method organization website or social media site exists must have express written permission and approval of the content of the site from TMM. 

TMM reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and the permissions granted if it determines that there is improper use of the Masterson Method trademark. TMM reserves the right to update this Agreement and the permissions granted, and will notify MMCP Canines of updates via email. For the current version, please visit https://mastersonmethod.com/mmcp-canine-signature/.

Thank you for participating!

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Signed by Jim Masterson
Signed On: 11/18/2025


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Document name: Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner Canine Code of Conduct & Trademark Use Agreement
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