I started my journey with horses when I was 11 on my sister’s hand me down pony. We had a local pony club I would ride to, and I have always loved taking care of horses. I started grooming and learning all I could from some wonderful grooms and instructors in high school. I worked at the barn and groomed at horse shows to pay for my lessons. I’ve always loved the behind the scenes work more than competing myself. During this time, I also started painting and drawing anatomical pictures of horses; always fascinated by the mechanics and beauty of the structures that make up the horse.
Like Jim, I started playing around with bodywork when I was working as a professional groom and veterinary technician on the eventing circuit in the 80’s. There wasn’t much out there for bodywork at the time, and I wanted to help my charges feel and perform their best. I have always tried to listen to my horses. I stopped grooming full time when I began my 30 year career as a science teacher, but I never lost my love of horses (and all animals really). When I came across The Masterson Method® and took a weekend course with Coralie, I was hooked. This method took me back to the days of laying my hands on the horses and monitoring their reactions. Jim’s stories resonated with me. I had a difficult mare at the time that had some undiagnosed issues, and I wanted to help her out. I also just love to learn. Following the weekend course, I quickly signed up for the 5 day with Coralie and started my certification journey. While the process took much longer than anticipated, it was well worth it. I have had the privilege to assist a few courses and love how I can learn more each time and meet new, like minded people who share this dream of helping horses.
I had fully anticipated transitioning into full time body work when I decided to retire from teaching in 2021, but I landed a dream job caring for many retired, rehab, and young horses on a large farm in central NY. I manage to weave my Masterson work into my daily interactions with the young horses and rehabs (and the retirees when I can) and I keep a small number of wonderful clients in the area to keep honing my skills and learn more from the horses. I am forever grateful to all of the Masterson community for lifelong connections and inspiration.