I first became familiar with the Masterson Method® through YouTube videos. After that, I purchased the book “Beyond Horse Massage” to study the techniques in greater detail. My inspiration to attend courses and pursue certification came when I watched Jim Masterson demonstrate his methods in person at one of his collaborative clinics with Mark Rashid.
Having grown up on the ranch where I currently live, I have had horses in my life for as long as I can remember. I also hold a BFA in Music and spent several decades in that field. In 2002, I rescued a PMU filly from South Dakota named Rose, and the following year, I took in another PMU gelding, which marked the beginning of my horse herd.
I was searching for a different way to interact with these new horses, one that differed from the controlling techniques my trainers had taught me during my childhood. As a result, I immersed myself in Natural Horsemanship and began studying yoga, ultimately becoming a registered yoga teacher. This allowed me to blend the concepts of breath and energy with the principles of Natural Horsemanship, focusing on pressure and release.
In 2007, I founded a nonprofit organization called The Healing Equine Ranch, 501(c)(3), as a sanctuary for my rescued horses and to offer equine programs. We currently provide a haven for ten horses and two mini horses. As the field of Equine Assisted Services has emerged, so has the scientific research supporting its efficacy.
By the spring of 2025, I will have completed my dual certification program (NL-ES/P) for equine specialists and practitioners through the Natural Lifemanship Institute. Their extensive focus on trauma aligns beautifully with the principles of Natural Horsemanship, fostering curiosity about how we can partner together to co-regulate and support one another.
My modality, Natural Equine Interactive Growth and Healing (NEIGH), draws from my experiences and continues to evolve as I learn from both the industry and the horses themselves. Our clients include addiction and recovery centers, individuals seeking health and wellness solutions, and leadership programs. As a Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES), I am excited to apply Masterson Method techniques with my horses and share the Bladder Meridian insights with my volunteers and participants.