Light to the Core Course

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Are you interested in profoundly affecting the deepest interconnections of the horse’s body? Would you like to delve deeper into the light-touch techniques taught in Jim Masterson’s Light to the Core video?

In this new hands-on course, you will learn subtle, gentle, simple bodywork that has the ability to profoundly affect the deepest interconnections of the horse’s body. The principle of staying under the bracing response of the horse is the foundation of Masterson Method bodywork. Light to the Core is the subtlest demonstration of this.

This course is for any horse owner or handler; no knowledge of anatomy is required and you will not be picking up the horse’s legs. Light to the Core is also suitable and beneficial for students on up to the most experienced practitioners of The Masterson Method.

The prerequisite for this course is to have reviewed and practiced a handful of the techniques demonstrated in the Light to the Core video.

Successful completion of this course DOES NOT fulfill the prerequisite for our Advanced 5-Day Course; you must take the Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Course if you wish to go on to the Advanced 5-Day Course. However, this course will enrich your understanding of the power of light touch techniques and enhance all levels of learning and proficiency in The Masterson Method.

About the Light to the Core Course

Light to the Core Course Dates

Courses are added to our schedule throughout the year. If you find a course that works for you and has openings, we recommend registering as soon as possible. Our courses fill quickly. If a course is FULL, email  to be added to a course waitlist.

USA

February 8-9, 2025 Santa Maria, CA with Amelia Nalli

April 26-27, 2025 Coatesville, PA

April 26-27, 2025 Clayton, WA with Sandy Vreeburg

May 10-11, 2025 Leesburg, VA with Carla Ball

Canada

May 3-4, 2025 Lac-Brome, QC with Sylvie Vallières (in French)

October 18-19, 2025 Langley, BC with Lori Hoppe

UK

(nothing scheduled at this time, please check back or sign up here for our monthly e-newsletter for new course updates)

Lori Hoppe demonstrating light touch techniques

Day 1 — Course begins at 9am

Course begins at 9am with a discussion of the principles of The Masterson Method®:

  • The horse’s survival-bracing response.
  • How to use different levels of touch, and the horse’s responses to by-pass the bracing response.
  • Use of movement and positioning to allow a muscle or junction to release tension.
  • Key junctions of the body that most affect performance.
  • How the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle process of release works.

Techniques covered on Day 1 focus on the light-touch Search-Response-Stay-Release techniques throughout the body, covering the key junctions that most affect performance. Techniques are first demonstrated, then students practice on horses with individual hands-on help from the Instructor, and then we re-group to ask/answer questions and review/discuss the results of the technique. We break for lunch and have short morning and afternoon breaks.

At the end of Day 1, the Instructor will provide a whole-horse demonstration, blending in some of the Light to the Core techniques taught in this course.

Day 2 — Course Continues at 9am

We follow the same learning format as on Day 1, with an emphasis on the subtle movement techniques, and completing a whole-horse session. Techniques are first demonstrated, then students practice on horses with individual hands-on help from the Instructor, and then we re-group to ask/answer questions and review/discuss the results of the technique. We break for lunch and have short morning and afternoon breaks.

On Day 2, students will also learn how to assess what techniques are best suited to any given horse, and then do a whole-horse session, practicing select techniques based on their assessment of what that particular horse needs. This way, the student will review and practice a full bodywork session on a horse prior to going home.

Sandy Vreeburg demonstrating Withers Wiggle on a horse's withers.

Light to the Core Course Prerequisite

The prerequisite for this course is to view the Light to the Core video and to try out some of the techniques prior to attending. If you do not currently have this video (DVD or streaming option), you can add it to your cart when you register for the Light to the Core Course.

Note that students will not be working on their own horse during this course, even if their horse lives at the host barn. However, you’ll be able to apply all that you’ve learned to your own horse afterwards!

Note About Our Trademark

Only those who have demonstrated proficiency and completed the Masterson Method Certification Program may use The Masterson Method® name and logo. Use of The Masterson Method name and logo by others to promote any professional services is an infringement on trademark rights. If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

Are you interested in earning a free spot in the LTC course?

Host a Light to the Core Course

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Student

The Light to the Core Seminar is a great way to deepen your relationship with your horse and positively affect performance. The best long term investment for your horse.

Student

The Light to the Core Seminar is absolutely amazing for learning a sense of “feel” — the hands-on instruction is essential. I learned so much that can’t be picked up through watching videos or reading!

Student

It [Light to the Core Seminar] is like a life-changing experience that increased my bond with horses!

Student

The Light to the Core Seminar is one of the best ways to connect with your horse and assist his/her ultimate well-being.

Student

The Light to the Core Seminar is a great confidence-builder for the beginner horse owner and a great connection-developer for the more seasoned owner.

Student

The course is well worth the time, money and commitment. The Light to the Core Seminar not only benefits the horse, it positively changes and enhances our relationship with the horse.

Student

I would recommend this course [Light to the Core Seminar] to anyone who is looking to learn about MM or to any MMCP/student who would like to improve their understanding and technique with light touch.

Student

The Light to the Core Seminar is an excellent way to connect with your horse. Working this gently and thoroughly really helped me to understand my horse and where she is at with the added benefit of being able to improve her performance and physicality.