Hands for Horses

15/06/2025

A horse may be willing, but only mobility transforms that will into greatness.
Every stride speaks your horses potential!

04/06/2025

Muscle Soreness vs Movement Restriction

It is normal for horses to experience mild muscle soreness following exercise or increased workload. This is a normal part of conditioning and adaptation.
However it is important to distinguish between muscle soreness and movement restriction. Soreness may show as mild stiffness or tenderness, but it should not impair the horse’s range of motion or gait.

If you notice changes in your horse like- unusual behaviour, shortened stride, resistance to bend laterally, refusal to pick up a lead, uneven gait……….. These maybe signs of mobility restrictions which may lead to injury.

With the Masterson Method, we treat the entire horse to not only release tension in muscles but also identify and alleviate these movement restrictions, helping your horse move with ease.

Identification and intervention is essential to prevent injury and ensure optimal performance.

03/06/2025

28/05/2025

Healing is just the beginning.

When we treat a horse post injury or long-term restriction, the journey isn’t over, healing is only the first step. Like humans, horses must re-educate their muscles and movement patterns.
Horses that return to work without retraining correct biomechanics often continue to compensate with imbalanced movement, which can lead to further issues over time.

Re-educating the body to move as it should helps reconnect the brain and body, rebuilding strength, symmetry, and soundness. After bodywork has released long-held restrictions, it’s not just about physical ability, it’s about breaking habits. Horses often need to relearn that they can move their limbs freely and without pain, instead of automatically compensating for discomfort like they did before.

That’s why it’s so important to actively guide correct movement, especially when dysfunctional patterns have been present for a long time.

Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is support your horse’s comeback by helping them move well, not just move again.

26/05/2025

Just a thought-

We all wish there was a magic button, one quick adjustment, one treatment, one session and boom, the horse is fixed. Moving freely, happy in their work and no more tension or restrictions till next year.
And while bodywork can feel like magic (and often provides instant relief), the truth is, horses are complex athletes. And like us, they carry layers, physical patterns, compensation from pain, imbalances caused by tack, rider asymmetry, emotional stress and a whole lot more.

You can release a tight muscle today, but unless underlying primary issues like hoof balance, teeth, nutrition, rider position or saddle fit are addressed, that tension is likely to return. That’s not failure; it’s reality. Helping horses perform at their best is a process, not a one-time fix.

I’m not saying this because I do bodywork, I’m saying it because I’ve seen the difference. Horses that receive regular, consistent bodywork are more comfortable, more willing and more resilient. It supports everything we want them to do.

Think of bodywork like brushing teeth, not just for when there's a problem, but as essential maintenance. It helps prevent bigger issues, keeps the horse feeling good in their body and supports every part of your partnership.

So yes, celebrate the quick wins, but commit to the long game. Your horse’s wellness is a living, evolving journey and they’re worth every step of it.

23/05/2025

Just another thought-

One of the most fascinating things I find working with horses is their ability to read us, not through what we say, but through what we feel.
Horses are prey animals, and their survival has always depended on being able to detect the slightest shift in their environment including changes in the energy and emotions of those around them.
This is why calmness matters.
A confident calmness. Externally and internally.

When we approach horses with quiet confidence, they sense it. A steady breath, soft eyes, relaxed posture, these things can mean more to a horse than any command or cue. On the other hand, if we’re anxious, frustrated or tense, even if we try to hide it, they’ll pick up on it immediately.
They mirror us. This is mentioned a lot when reading about horses. The more I work with horses the more I realise this is true.
They teach us to slow down and to become more present. It’s no surprise that horses are used in therapy programs around the world, not because they talk, but because they listen with their whole being.

The Masterson Method emphasises this connection profoundly, recognising that releasing tension in a horse requires us to first release tension in ourselves. It's a reciprocal relationship. If we're rushed or distracted our touch can become mechanical and the horse will resist or shut down. But when we're grounded, calm and present, the horse feels safe enough to let go.

So I like to remember when I work with horses, my energy walks into the paddock before I do.
Calm isn’t just a state of mind it’s a form of communication.

20/05/2025

Every time I watch a horse move whether cantering across a field or standing calmly in a pasture, I’m reminded of how intricate and awe-inspiring their bodies truly are.
A horse’s body is a marvel of natural engineering, with over 700 muscles working in harmony and 205 bones supporting every movement.
Behind every stride is an orchestra of joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles working in perfect sync to create the power, balance and elegance we admire.
They’re powerful, sensitive and beautifully complex creatures and the more I learn, the more respect I have for them. Every system in their body is finely tuned for survival, speed and subtle communication. They can feel a fly land on their skin, respond to the lightest shift in a rider’s weight and yet charge across open fields with breathtaking strength.
The deeper I dive into their anatomy and behaviour the more I realise: horses aren’t just animals we ride or care for, they’re living, breathing wonders of nature. And they deserve every bit of time I put in.
Because they are so complex, we will never truly stop learning about them. Each horse teaches us something new. I’m not just talking about the musculoskeletal system, but about patience, connection and the incredible depth of nature’s design.

04/05/2025

I was out at FHT Equine last week treating a few reining horses.
Being able to watch Chris do his magic in the arena while I’m doing bodywork sessions on other horses gives me a live insight of how these performance horses use their bodies during the different manoeuvres and I can simultaneously see and feel where these horses will likely be tight and/or restricted.

24/04/2025

I attended my kids ANZAC day service yesterday.
It was really well done. They had this amazing wall hanging on display.
The Geham school community created it with 1400 poppies to honour those who served their country, including the animals of war.

10/04/2025

I’m a sucker for paints!

I travelled down to Esk to treat this pretty girl. She had a few issues initially from a long trip up from Tasmania. Such a chilled out 3yo though.
I offered to take her home but the owner didn’t want to part with her!!

07/04/2025

I was down at Rosewood treating a few horses today.
My son thought I wasn’t releasing this ones poll enough so he thought he would jump in and show me how it is done.
Future Masterson Method Man.
Thanks Sam for a great day with your horses.

01/04/2025

A Downward Dog a day keeps the pain away!!

This mare has had quite a few issues with her hind end affecting her lumbar-sacral flexibility. She has been on a regular maintenance bodywork plan and she is making big improvements.
It was great watching her have a good stretch at the end of the session.