Fieldwork

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Masterson Method Fieldwork is open to anyone who wishes to pursue deeper learning and skill building through guided practice and personal feedback. With deeper attention to equine anatomy and one-on-one personalized coaching, the Fieldwork experience will support horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, chiropractors and other equine professionals in developing, refining and perfecting the timing touch and feel necessary to truly make a difference in the horse’s comfort and relationship with its human partner. 

This commitment is also the next step for those whose goal it is to attain the level of proficiency that entitles them to become certified in the Masterson Method. If this is you, please be sure you have read About Certification in The Masterson Method before registering for Fieldwork.

Fieldwork Outline: Mentoring and Coaching

In Fieldwork, students submit written case studies to a mentor in 3 distinct blocks, and to attend a face-to-face Coaching Session at the end of each block. Students complete a series of bodywork sessions and write a report on each session indicating what you did, how the horse responded, and reflections specific to that block focus. Your mentor will review your case study and provide feedback to guide your subsequent bodywork sessions. Upon completion of your case study reports in each block, you then seek a coach to attend a full day of coaching to both guide and evaluate your progress throughout fieldwork.

Fieldwork Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites for Fieldwork:

In order to begin Fieldwork, students must demonstrate skills in horsemanship, handling, and safety, and have the basic physical fitness (strength, stamina, and stability) needed to safely and effectively complete a whole horse session.

Block 1 Focus: Proficiency in Techniques

The focus of Block 1 is Proficiency in Techniques. The student will complete and write up two case studies on a minimum of 5 horses (2 sessions per horse or 10 total sessions). As each case study is completed, students will upload them on the online Fieldwork site for review by their Block 1 mentor, and then download feedback offered by their mentor to incorporate into their next session.

After completing the required number of case studies for Block 1, the student will attend a day-long, face-to-face Coaching Session by a Masterson Method Coach. The coach will both guide and evaluate the student’s progress using the Certification Proficiency Evaluation Form. The coach may assign the student specific practice work to help the student improve in those areas before the next Coaching Session.

Block 2 Focus: Techniques and Anatomy

The focus of Block 2 is refining the Masterson Method techniques and anatomy of the horse. The student will repeat the same process as in Block 1 but with new horses and with the additional focus on anatomy as it pertains to the bodywork. Students without prior anatomy training must complete our Equine Anatomy and Health Considerations (or an equivalent course) before the Block 2 Coaching Course. At the second Coaching Session, if the student is not sufficiently proficient in all of the techniques, s/he will be given specific practice work by the coach to help the student to improve in those areas. The student may need to reschedule another Coaching Session at which the student will work with a coach and be re-evaluated before moving on to Block 3. The purpose of this is to give the student more time to practice in those areas that need further development. The additional coaching will be at the student’s expense, but at a lower tuition.

Block 3 Focus: Putting It All Together

The focus of Block 3 is final evaluations – putting it all together. The student will repeat the same process as in previous Blocks but with new (and more challenging) horses and with a focus on the final evaluation. At the third Coaching Course, the student will need to receive an evaluation of 4 (on a scale of 1-5 where 1 is equivalent to ‘behind schedule’ and 5 is equivalent to ‘advanced’) by the coach in all categories in order to be approved to go on to the Certification Completion Course. If a student has any evaluations of less than 4’s, the student will be given additional specific practice work by the coach. The student will re-schedule another Coaching Course at which the student will work with a coach and be re-evaluated before being approved to go on to the Certification Completion Course. The purpose of this is to give the student more time to practice in those areas that need further development. Any additional coaching will be at the student’s expense, but at a lower tuition.

When the student has completed these requirements and attained a score of at least 4 (on a scale of 1 – 5) on all techniques and skills that demonstrates the required level of proficiency in the techniques, student will be eligible to attend a Certification Completion Course.

Fieldwork Completion Requirements

  • Completed a minimum of 30 Case Studies
  • Attended 3 Coaching Sessions and at the 3rd Coaching,  received 4’s or 5’s on all the techniques and skills
  • Read the required materials listed below
  • Fulfilled the anatomy requirement with either our Anatomy Course or an approved course
  • Completed the Beyond Horse Massage Home Study Course
  • Completed all Case Studies and Coaching Sessions at least 3 weeks prior to a Certification Completion Course

Fieldwork Registration

Enrolling in Fieldwork

Please review the prerequisites listed above before registering for Fieldwork.

The total fee for Fieldwork is $2,100. You register for each block as you progress at $700 per block; this covers mentoring, coaching, and administrative costs. Once you register, you will be provided with instructions and a mentor to begin Block 1. Once you pass your Block 1 Coaching, you will be notified that you approved to register for Block 2. Upon registering and paying for Block 2, you will be assigned a Block 2 mentor, and so on. Please note:  all fieldwork fees are non-refundable.

If you have questions, please contact the Fieldwork Coordinator.

Fieldwork Timeline Requirements

Students may take a maximum period of six months before applying for Fieldwork after attending the prerequisite Advanced 5-Day course.  An additional six months is allowed between Coaching Sessions, and another six months before taking the Certification Completion Course. This will give the student a maximum period of two years to complete the entire Certification Program. However, Fieldwork can be completed within a shorter period of time.

When a Student is Delayed

Students have six months to complete each block.  If the student takes longer than six months to complete any Block (Block 1, 2, or 3), they will need to stop the block work and participate in a personalized, one-on-one Refresher Coaching Session (fee of $350) before resuming. If they are significantly delayed, they may be asked to participate in a 2-day Refresher Coaching (fee of $600) or potentially to repeat the Advanced 5-Day Course.

Block 1 students delayed in starting their block work for one year or longer will need to repeat the Advanced 5-Day Course before starting Block 1 work.

Students applying for Fieldwork after six months but less than one year from attending the Advanced 5-Day Course must complete a Refresher Coaching before the Fieldwork application will be accepted.

Students applying for Fieldwork greater than one year from attending the Advanced 5-Day Course must repeat the Advanced 5-Day Course.

Refresher Coaching Sessions and Advanced 5-Day Courses will be additional expenses incurred by the student.

The purpose of these deadlines is not to rush you through the training. Our first goal and priority is not for you to receive a certification, but that you become as proficient and effective as possible in the practice of the techniques. This curriculum will allow you more than sufficient time to get the most out of the training, without losing the flow and momentum of the work.

Stay focused, don’t rush, and have fun with the work. At times the horses and the training may be challenging, but the results will far outweigh the challenges of training to become a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP).

Note: We understand that emergencies can come up that could interfere with your training. If, at any time, you feel that you may be going beyond a deadline for any phase of the training, it is important that you contact us so that we can work with you.

Active Students During Leave of Absence

Some students are able to remain active in their learning while taking a break from Fieldwork. When the student has maintained regular communication with the mentor, and the mentor feels the student is able to retain the knowledge gained through the Fieldwork, then the mentor may allow the student to resume Fieldwork at the point where the student stopped.

If the mentor determines the student has not been active or may not be at the level expected, the student will be required to attend a Refresher Coaching before resuming case studies.  If during the Refresher Coaching, the coach determines the student is not at the level expected, the student will need to repeat the Advanced 5-Day Course before continuing with case studies.

Active is defined as the student regularly reviewing training videos, the Home Study Course, practicing techniques regularly, and/or partnering with a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner or other activities that are approved by the mentor.

Inactive Students During Leave of Absence

Students that have been inactive six months or longer must participate in a Refresher Coaching.

If during the Refresher Coaching, the coach determines that the student is not at the level expected, the student will need to repeat the Advanced 5-Day Course before resuming Fieldwork.

Inactive students may be required to re-start the Block during which the student became inactive.

Additional Coaching Sessions and Advanced 5-Day Courses will be additional expenses incurred by the student.

Coaching Sessions Explained

In a Coaching Session, the student receives hands-on guidance and evaluation from a Masterson Method Coach. In North America, students who have completed their case studies reach out to a coach to arrange a coaching date and location; these are typically private, one-on-one over the course of one day. In select countries overseas, Coaching Sessions are scheduled on a regular basis and typically provided to small groups over multiple days.

The student will be evaluated by the Coach on the Masterson Method techniques using the Certification Proficiency Evaluation Form. The purpose of the Certification Proficiency Evaluation Form is to provide a consistent and objective measure for coaches to evaluate students’ progress over time. This will give the student a clear understanding of how they are progressing through the program.

Required Book, DVD and Online Course

The following are required for the Fieldwork Course:

Beyond Horse Massage Book

USD $32.95

This practical book with step-by-step instructions, photographs and illustrations is ideally suited to accompany you to the barn, where you will practice The Masterson Method® techniques on horses. Expanded chapters with Tips & Techniques, anatomical explanations and examples from Jim’s practice help deepen your understanding. A “quick reference” section will point you to exercises that are specifically suited to your particular discipline, may it be dressage, endurance, eventing or barrel racing, or others in the vast realm of horse sports.

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Beyond Horse Massage DVD and/or Online Streaming Option

Beyond Horse Massage Video (DVD & Streaming Options)

USD $27.96 – $54.95

20% off sale on the DVD or Streaming Video

Enjoy the 80 minute DVD or Streaming video option!

The Masterson Method is an innovative form of bodywork that relaxes the horse’s body and relieves stress and pain in the muscles and connective tissue.

You’ll open doors to improving health and performance while building trust with your horse.

This video is a prerequisite to the Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Course.

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Beyond Horse Massage Home Study Course

USD $179.95

The Beyond Horse Massage Home Study Course is a self-guided, online course that provides guided study and structured practice of the techniques taught during the Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Course.

PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite for this online course is to own and have read the Beyond Horse Massage Book.  It is also recommended to own The Beyond Horse Massage DVD/Streaming option.

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Suggested Books for Reference

There are numerous books/DVDs 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:

Whole Horse Video Series: 14 Sessions (5 DVDs or Streaming)

Whole Horse Video Series: 14 Sessions (5 DVDs or Streaming)

USD $49.95 – $69.95

Jim suggests since these videos are not instructional, that you purchase these videos after you have attended a Weekend Course or have completed the Beyond Horse Massage Home Study Course.

Get a bird’s eye view of Jim using The Masterson Method® techniques on different horses. The videos are a compilation of bodywork done on performance horses during a horse’s show season.

 

 

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Accreditation

We are accredited and approved for continuing education through the following organizations:
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National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Organization (NCBTMB)

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National Board of Certification For Animal Acupressure and Massage

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International Institute for Complementary Therapists

Equine Therapies Association of Australia