by Mimi Duffy and Zoe Avent
This month’s blog is co-written by Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Mimi Duffy, and her student Zoe Avent. Read how they used The Masterson Method to help both Zoe and her loaned (brand-new to her) horse overcome obstacles (literally and figuratively) thousands of miles away from home at the 2024 United States Pony Club (USPC) National Championships in Lexington, Kentucky.
In July 2024, over 3,000 Pony Club members, volunteers, and families from all over the world participated in the week-long USPC Festival held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The USPC Festival is a highlight of so many Pony Club members: some have qualified for their competitive events, some come for the educational clinics, and all come for a memorable event.
Among the qualifying competitors was Zoe Avent in Tetrathlon—a four-sport competition consisting of running, target shooting, swimming, and riding—of Rosewood Riders Pony Club in Novato, California. Her coach, Mimi Duffy, is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner and uses this approach to bodywork every day in her training program. She put her bodywork and teaching skills to good use, helping Zoe come out a winner at the Festival.
Connecting With a New Horse
While Zoe had qualified on her own horse Blue, a Connemara who she’d been riding for over 5 years, it wasn’t possible to take him to Kentucky. Zoe faced the challenge of having to ride and compete with a new horse, a young thoroughbred named Janney who, unbeknownst to her, was still being ridden on the track!
It was important that Zoe connect with Janney, who was very different to Blue, and when they first met the mare, Mimi noticed that she was demonstrating signs of stress; she carried her head very high and had an anxious eye. They understood it could be difficult for Zoe to get to know Janney while she was in a new and stressful situation and so they took some time practicing the basic Bladder Meridian Technique, to help Zoe connect and build trust with her new mount. Janney’s eyes softened and she began to focus on Zoe instead of being preoccupied by everything around her. It also allowed Zoe to take a few breaths, relax with Janney, and enjoy the moment.
Challenges on Course
While the practice rides with Janney went well, the competition portion proved more challenging. In Janney’s first jumping course with her primary rider who qualified on Janney, Mimi and Zoe noticed Janney was struggling to pick up the right canter lead or maintain a steady rhythm, was rushing at the fences, and even refusing jumps. This made Zoe nervous. When it was her turn to ride the course, Zoe was not able to keep Janney in a steady trot and sure enough, they refused a fence and unfortunately, Zoe had a fall. She was OK, but this is what she shared:
‘I was too off-balance and ended up standing right by her face. My Dad, who is not a horse person, thought I got off on purpose! I was disappointed but determined to do better tomorrow.’
A Full Bodywork Session to Settle Nerves and Improve Balance
Fortunately, Mimi was able to get permission from the owner and Horse Management judges to practice a full bodywork session with Janney later that day. Again, she began with Bladder Meridian and SRSR to determine where she was holding tension, was able to identify some imbalances in her body, which no doubt contributed to her performance in the ring.
Mimi used the Head Down technique to release tension behind the poll, and Scapula Releases and Lateral Cervical Flexion technique which can help with canter lead issues and unilateral restrictions. Janney was initially very stoic in the bodywork, but as the session progressed, she began to soften and release. Zoe watched in amazement as Janney yawned repeatedly and snorted.
At the end of the session, Janney’s stall behavior was less anxious and Zoe and Mimi were able to discuss some practical ways to help the mare feel more confident over the jumps she would face in the second and final round.
Another Accident
If falling off at a jump wasn’t enough, the following morning, on the way to the Horse Park, Zoe and her mom were involved in a car accident. While neither of them were hurt, it was an extremely unsettling and stressful experience. Zoe considered withdrawing from the competition as she was feeling very unsettled. But she and Mimi decided they could put The Masterson Method to use to help calm both Zoe and her horse, and re-establish their connection.
Mimi encouraged Zoe to do the Bladder Meridian Technique again. She could visibly see the tension release from both of them! Mimi then did SRSR all over Janney’s body to find where she was holding tension and allowing her to release some of the pressure – her eyes softened, her head lowered, she yawned and Zoe felt she could feel her confidence returning with each release she gave. It appeared that Janney felt relieved to have a break, not being pressured to go into the warm-up ring, but instead being allowed to relax and take a breath. It recentered both of them and put them back in tune with themselves and with each other.
The Final Round
As the last round approached, the pair went confidently into the ring and flew over the first jump. Zoe brought Janney back to trot 3 strides out from the jumps where she was comfortable, and they had their best round going clear with no time faults. Here’s how Zoe explains it:
“Into the ring I went, and as we flew over the first jump, I knew Janney and I could do it together. We conquered the course, making it our best round of the competition and I came out with a giant smile, giving Janney lots of hugs and pats. I ended the competition placing third individually in my division, and my team won first place overall!
“I believe this wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing work of Mimi and the Masterson Method, as well as the support of the Pony Club community. I’m grateful that these organizations have been working together, with Pony Club emphasizing horse care, and as the Masterson Method focuses on the horse, they go hand in hand.
“The younger members of my local Pony Club are all knowledgeable about the Masterson Method and I think that it has helped them build a stronger bond with the horses they ride, as well as become a better horseman. Anyone can practice and benefit from the Masterson Method.”
Masterson Method on Borrowed Competition Ponies
Mimi had eight other students that competed in Quiz at the championships and who stayed for the educational portion, all on borrowed horses! The 10–12-year old’s practiced the Bladder Meridian technique on their ponies, thanks to Mimi and Megan Dushin (also an MMCP and US Pony Club Alumn). It was magical to watch.
Mimi shared this:
“I am so proud of everyone that had the courage to ride the new mounts and I know that using Masterson Method improved everyone’s performances. Their overall horsemanship improved exponentially from the experiences. I am really excited to be able to give back to the Pony Club and share this knowledge with the next generation!”
New Masterson Method Course for Youth
With the help of Mimi Duffy and many others, we are currently developing a new Masterson Method Course for Youth, whether they be in the USPC, 4H, or any other youth club. For more information, visit our Youth Course page and sign up for email updates to be notified when the Youth Course is available.
We’d like to thank Mimi for all of her dedication to her riders, their horses, and to teaching riders how the Masterson Method can help them achieve that unity and horse-human bond Pony Club espouses.
About the Contributors
Zoe Avent is from San Francisco, CA and is a member of the Rosewood Riders Pony Club. She’s currently applying for college and hopes to become a vet.
Mimi Duffy is an MMCP and US Pony Club Instructor based in California who has been incorporating Masterson Method® into her riding programs with the Rosewood Riders Pony Club and 4H. Teaching the Bladder Meridian technique has been helping the children to understand their ponies’ physical limitations and improve their communication with their mounts. The bonds that they are creating are magical.