Diane has always had a passion for horses. After raising her family, she was able to take a deep dive into developing her horsemanship. She studied extensively with Elsa Sinclair (Freedom Based Training), Andrea Wady (Equine Relationship Specialist) and Andrea Datz (Tango with Horses), thereby developing a level of horsemanship that enables her to foster a deep connection with the horses she engages with. A connection where horse and human share a voice. This way of being and connecting with the horses provides a profound healing presence that is highly therapeutic both physically and mentally.
As Diane learned more about The Masterson Method®, it became clear that the healing art of equine bodywork was her path to having horses in her life. She was attracted to the Masterson Program for 1. its rigorous and extensive course of study and 2. its fundamental principle of working ‘with’ the horse not ‘on’ the horse, where staying below the horse’s brace response is key to obtaining effective results. Her communication skills, feel and timing shine in this form of bodywork. Diane continues to enhance her MMCP skills by assisting at Masterson courses and offering interactive demos at barns and equine organizations throughout the state.
Diane also studies Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) with Shea Stewart of Equine Balance. Shea offers the only Equine BCST curriculum in the USA. BSCT is a deeply meditative form of bodywork. It is a profoundly healing modality and is therapeutic in both acute and chronic stages of injury or illness.
Diane is committed to ongoing education. She is a Masterson Method Continuing Education Member. As a member, she must continue to expand her knowledge base regarding primary issues that most affect a horse’s performance. In addition, Diane continually studies equine anatomy and biomechanics through online dissections, Patreon groups and online study with top equine professionals in the field. This knowledge aids her in helping her clients discern what may be contributing to their horses’ compensatory patterns, thus paving the way towards improved wellness, posture and performance.
Diane uses her intuitive skills to work with the horse, discerning the best techniques to offer at each moment in time, providing a session that is tailored to each individual horse’s needs. A session can be a combination of The Masterson Method® and BCST. In addition, Diane may use SURE FOOT® pads, and/or tuning forks as therapeutic aids to enhance effectiveness, when indicated.
Knowing that horses will benefit from simple bodywork offered by the owner in between practitioner sessions, Diane will provide information on various bodywork techniques and/or exercises, to interested clients. This helps owners to help their horses between sessions, thereby maximizing the bodywork treatment plan. She also offers suggestions for holistic approaches to equine health, when applicable, if the client desires.
As an MMCP, she has worked with horses from all walks of life. Clients report their horses are not only moving and performing better but are also happier. It is common for owners to report that unwanted behaviors have improved and/or resolved. It brings Diane great joy to help horses release accumulated tension and restriction, improving body suppleness, range of motion and mental well-being, thereby helping horses feel and be their very best.