Masterson Method Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Certification Program

Masterson began putting together a practical – as opposed to academic – program in which he could pass on what he knew about getting results in performance.

Jim’s goal was to develop an equine massage school that would provide a systematic method that would make a difference in the horse, make a difference for the owner and trainer, and to make a difference in equine therapist’s business. It’s all about results. If you can get an improvement in performance, movement and comfort in the horse, they’ll call you back.

In 2012, we developed an online Field Work School site as a resource for our students going through the Certification Program. The online school is a centralized location students can go to find all the resources they need to be successful in the program, communication with a mentor, and a place to monitor their progress.

Since then our Certifcation has evolved and developed into what it is today, and attracts horse-people for a variety of reasons, some of which are listed here:

• to improve professional skill as a therapist
• to improve results as an equine competitor
• to increase personal knowledge
• to become a better all-around horse-person
• for a better understanding of the horse
• a sense of accomplishment

What Does Certification in The Masterson Method® Mean?

Certification in any discipline shows that you have put in the time, energy and study to meet the standards of proficiency in that discipline. Masterson Method Certification shows that you have learned and become proficient in advanced Masterson Method techniques.

As there is no regulatory authority governing training in this type of equine bodywork in most states, and the Masterson Method certification is not under the auspices or authorization of any regulatory authority. A Masterson Method certification shows to a horse owner or veterinarian only that you have taken a course of study and become proficient in a specific type of equine bodywork.

As interest in alternative equine therapies grows and as more and more horse-people learn the value of the Masterson Method on their horses, it is our hope that the businesses of the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) will grow with it.

Laws Governing the Practice of Alternative Therapies

The laws that govern equine massage and alternative therapies are different in each state. If you intend to practice equine massage and alternative therapies as a business, it is important that you become familiar with the laws of the state in which you plan to practice. It is also important that you talk with equine massage and alternative therapists in your area as well as your veterinarian, to get a good practical understanding of how practicing in your area works.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the Masterson Method is to improve performance, well-being, relationship and communication with the horse. Its purpose is not to replace veterinary care.

Steps to Becoming Certified:  The Masterson Method Certification Program

To become a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) you must meet the horsemanship experience and educational prerequisites explained below, complete the training requirements of the course, and demonstrate proficiency in all of the techniques taught. Time frame to complete the Certification Program: 9 – 18 months. In order to become certified in the Masterson Method students must have:

• Completed all of the training requirements of the program listed below
• Demonstrate proficiency in all of the techniques taught in the program
• Have taken the anatomy portion of our course or have equivalent experience.

Step 1: Prerequisite Courses

The following courses are prerequisites before enrolling in the Masterson Method Certification Program:

1. Beyond Horse Massage 2-Day Seminar-Workshop
   You must have taken the Weekend Seminar-Workshop. This course teaches the basic principles and techniques of the Masterson Method.
2. Advanced 5-Day Course
   The advanced techniques taught in this course will increase your success in bringing about positive change in the movement and performance of the horse. You will also learn evaluation techniques that will help you identify patterns that point to possible Primary Issues that often create compensatory and Secondary Issues in the body.
3. Home Study Course

Step 2: Starting the Certification Program:

 Anatomy Entrance Quiz

• Each applicant to the Certification Field Work Course will take this Field Work Entrance Quiz to evaluate proficiency in equine anatomy. This evaluation plus the applicants experience and past training in anatomy will be used to determine if the applicant will be required to take the Masterson Method Equine Anatomy Course.

Anatomy Course:

• All students are required to meet our anatomy requirements. Students enrolled in our Anatomy Course will need to complete this course before attending their 2^nd Coaching Course and within 6 months of enrolling.

Certification Field Work Course:

• Students will be required to complete a series of Case Study assignments for each of the Three Blocks. At the completion of each Block, students will attend a Coaching Course with a Masterson Method Coach. At the Coaching Courses, students will demonstrate their progress.
• Each Block will have a different Focus:
  • Block 1: Proficiency of Techniques
  • Block 2: Anatomy
  • Block 3: Putting it all Together
• The final Coaching Course must be completed at least 3 weeks prior to attending the Certification Completion Course

Certification Completion Course (3-Day Course)

• Student will review, practice and refine techniques learned during the Certification Program, be tested by Jim, and be taught the next level of evaluation and bodywork techniques. Proficiency in the Masterson Method techniques taught during the Certification Program will be required to earn a Masterson Method Certification. After completion, the student earns the title, Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP)

Note: Certification does not authorize a student to become an Instructor in The Masterson Method

We are accredited and approved through the follow organizations:

Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Organization (NCBTMB) for Continuing Education Credits (CEC): Weekend Seminar-Workshop: 14 CEC. Advanced 5-Day: 32 CEC, Field Work Course: 50 CEC, Certification Completion Course: 21 CEC

International Institute for Complementary Therapists  Approved Training Provider

Equine Therapies Association of Australia  Approved Training Provider