I remember watching a friend of mine at her riding lesson when I was 11 years old and telling my parents that I wanted to do this too! I have always been an animal lover and this started my life-long love affair with equines. I began taking lessons at a Hunter/Jumper farm of privately owned horses that also had an outstanding lesson string. I ultimately competed in Junior Hunters and Equitation, showing throughout Central New York during high school. I worked at the farm on the weekends and after school, earning “credit” so I could have additional lessons/instruction each week. When I headed off to college, I rode on my college equestrian team, competing in New York State and Canada. I graduated college with a degree in Economics, married (my college sweetheart) and settled into the business world, working in Corporate Sales/Marketing.
After a number of years, I saw an ad for a Working Student Position at a Dressage Farm in Massachusetts with a dressage trainer and judge, and thought, “Hey, this would be fun to learn dressage! I could take a year off from the ’real world’. And I could be around horses again.” The year flew by, I loved the daily horse care, the daily dressage lessons and just being around the animals I had so much reverence and love for. I vowed that when my working student days were over, and I went back to work in the business world, I would have my very own horse one day. My wish came true a couple years later when I purchased a Thoroughbred gelding!
I continued with lessons/coaching, rode in USDF dressage shows at First Level, had fun on hunter paces and trail rode. Since we had purchased a house with a barn, I was able to share the joy of horses with our kids. I became a Pony Club mom, taking my daughter to lessons, events, competitions and camps. Over the decades, there were many horses and ponies at our farm. It was a fun and busy time: I was working in Real Estate, raising kids and loved the daily care of our equines at home.
With our adult kids on their own and myself retired from Real Estate, the days at home grew less hectic and I really wanted to “learn it all.” I attended several barefoot trimming programs and then completed Farrier School to feel confident handling the care for my own horse, and for a few friends. I became a Certified Equine Massage Therapist, gaining a solid foundation in equine anatomy, physiology and postural assessment, and the principles of sports massage and myofascial release techniques. I purchased Jim’s Masterson Method book and video and saw firsthand how this bodywork helps horses: by focusing on paying attention to what the horse has to say about his own body. This made such a profound difference for my own horse, that I decided to take the Weekend Course, Advanced Course, completing Fieldwork, Mentoring and Coaching, and onto Certification, becoming a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner.
Releasing tension in the deep core and postural muscles improves range of motion, suppleness and strength. I pledge to meet every horse “where they are” and work with them, not on them. Releasing tension in the key junctions of the body that most effect performance not only helps the horse physically, but also mentally and emotionally! Masterson Method® techniques target all of the following: the autonomic nervous system, muscles, joints, fascia and elements of energy. The result is improved range of motion in major joints which affects length/evenness of stride and lateral reach. It also improves the suppleness and strength needed for impulsion, collection, bend and lift through the thoracic sling. The icing on the cake is increased trust and connection with the horse.
I have extensive experience with Thoroughbreds, as well as sensitive horses in general. I am committed to improving your horse’s overall comfort and reducing accumulated tension, ultimately making handling, training and riding much easier.