: Lizzi Brewster
: Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner
: Promoting wellness for horse through partnered bodywork
Mark your calendars! I will be instructing a Masterson Method interactive demonstration at on Saturday, July 20th from 9AM-12PM. You can haul your own horse in, or opt to use one of Windhorse's program horses.
To register, send me an email at [email protected]
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Big releases happened during this mare's Masterson Method session today. As we finished working through her hind endpoints, she laid down and went into full rest and relaxation mode. It feels like such a gift getting to be a part of the process in helping horses release tightness and restrictions in their bodies.
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"First you go with the horse. Then the horse goes with you. Then you go together."
- Tom Dorrance
Such a wonderful explanation as to what the Masterson Method is and how it differs from traditional equine massage!
Recently, I’ve had quite a few people mention and/or inquire if The Masterson Method is “massage”. Though traditional equine massage is an excellent modality to help horses feel better, Masterson Method is not massage. As Jim Masterson refers to it as “Beyond Horse Massage”. And it is!
With traditional massage we manually manipulate the soft tissues with our hands (better tool than anything on the market) to release tension in the superficial and some deep muscles of the horse’s body. The horse can be munching on hay, not paying attention to the therapist but we can still continue to massage. Many horses just love it and some may be quite sensitive but the benefits are the same. During massage, the horse may constantly switch from the sympathetic (fight, flight, freeze) to the parasympathetic (rest and digest “healing state”). Either way, this doesn’t really affect the work being done. The horse will still benefit.
With the Masterson Method, the horse “MUST” participate for it to work! The practitioner’s goal is to take each joint of the body through a small range of motion . . . “in a relaxed state”. It may be only seconds but can be minutes that the horse goes into the parasympathetic state and we create range of motion in that quick span of time and the “magic” is that when we do so, with timing and feel, it triggers the central nervous system to release deep seated tension and restriction in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. The joints of the key junctions are embedded deep beneath layers of soft tissue. It is impossible to “massage” these key places. But we can reach it through the central nervous system. And to bring further clarification, The Masterson Method, though it may appear that way, is not stretching either. When we “stretch” a horse, the muscles are active. With The Masterson Method we create range of motion when the muscles are “relaxed”.
And this takes us back to, “Is The Masterson Method massage?” The simple answer is, no it is not. However, it can have the same affects as massage and goes even deeper . . . It goes “beyond massage”. This is why our title isn’t “Massage Therapist”, rather “Masterson Method Certified Practitioner”. The two certifications are completely different, as is the application.
Yes, I am certified in equine massage and do still use a portion of that very effective modality but I’m also a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner and can offer the horse both! If you’d like to learn more, below is a link to The Masterson Method Website. I hope this helps to clarify those asking.
https://mastersonmethod.com
This summer the lovely Laura Faber-Morris will be instructing a weekend seminar in Kalispell, Montana. Myself and Helena Equine will be there assisting!
In this foundational course, you will have hands-on exposure to the techniques covered in the Beyond Horse Massage book. You will also be learning to recognize the visual responses of the horse to your touch when finding and releasing accumulated tension within the key junctions of their body. While horses will be provided at the course, you’ll be able to apply all that you’ve learned to your own horse afterward!
If you’re interested in attending and have further questions, contact [email protected]. To register, head over to www.mastersonmethod.com/product/kalispell-mt-aug-2024/.
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Our Lizzi Brewster, from Bozeman, MT is this week's feature for !
Growing up in Montana, Lizzi had an early exposure to horses which has followed her throughout her life journey. After graduating from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equine Science, she moved back to Bozeman and became a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner (MMCP).
As an MMCP, Lizzi is committed to providing horses with a comprehensive bodywork session in which she identifies areas holding tension and helps facilitate the releasing of that tension with the goal of improving performance, range of motion, movement, and the overall well-being of the horse.
To learn more about Lizzi and her services visit reviveequinebodywork.com or go to the following link:
https://i.mtr.cool/hatzfbffmq
Demonstrations offer an interactive learning experience for horse enthusiasts who are seeking to learn more about the Masterson Method. For more information about hosting a demo, contact me directly! .....................................................
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Before a session starts, an evaluation is done. The purpose of this evaluation is to gather information to help determine what might be causing tension in the horse’s body. If the tension is cleared but the cause of the tension is not identified, then it will simply return. Common primary issues or causes of tension include:
- Injuries or accidents
- Compensation from injuries
- Dental
- Saddle fit
- Improper conditioning
- Rider imbalances
- Conformation
- Digestive, systemic or metabolic issues
Understanding the distinction between a reaction and restriction is an important factor in helping determine what the primary cause might be. A reaction is an indication of a current issue while a restriction is an indication of a long-term or past issue. The degree of restriction can be an indication of the age or severity of that past issue.
When a horse palpates reactively, this is an indication of pain in that area. The cause of the pain is current and whatever is creating it is still a factor. In time, if the cause of that pain is not eliminated the muscles will then tighten in effort to protect the area. This area will now show up as both sore (reactive) as well as stiff (restrictive). Now if the primary cause of tension is never resolved, the muscles will only continue to tighten and lock up. They will lose sensitivity to palpation and a degrade in the range of motion will be felt.
Using this system of evaluation can be such an impactful tool when it comes to helping horses alleviate tension as well as for owners looking to identify primary causes of that tension.
I'm always thrilled to receive positive feedback like this from clients. It's so rewarding knowing that my work is making a difference for both the horse and the rider!
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I was told at the beginning of the certification process that learning this method can be life shifting. I can now more fully understand that statement as I am entering into this next leg of my equine journey as a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner.
With that, my books are now officially open for scheduling this fall! I've made some updates to my website including more information about the services I am offering, testimonials, pricing as well as added an educational content section.
Check it out 👉 www.reviveequinebodywork.com
Or send me message ✉ [email protected]
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While I will always be a student of the horse, I'm so excited to be entering into this next phase of being a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner. I will be heading to Texas at the end of September to attend the final three day certification course.
I have so much gratitude for the horses I get to work with and this community I get to be apart of. I look forward to further expanding my services as a practitioner starting this coming October.
Thank you to all who have stood with me through this process. Happy trails!
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"Follow your senses, your wonder, your instinct, your joy, the ear of your heart..."
- Lyanda Haupt
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A fun fact and observation to make with fly season on the way! ..........................
I have been building up my knowledge and experience over the past 2 years while being enrolled in the Masterson Method certification program. As I near the end of the program, I am so excited to be able to offer sessions at a discounted student rate!..................................................
Bodywork is intended to enhance performance in a healthy horse. It is not intended to treat, diagnose or be used as a substitute for veterinary care. There are some instances where bodywork may not be advised. It is always best to consult your treating veterinarian should there be any doubt, especially in cases such as:
ARTHRITIC HORSES
While some arthritic horses may benefit from light bodywork, consulting your veterinarian first is advised.
PREGNANT MARES
It is best not to perform bodywork on mares in their first month or last trimester.
ACUTE INJURIES
Heat and swelling are signs that an injury is in the acute stage. Bodywork is not advised during this time.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Light bodywork may help in supporting diseases such as Lyme disease or EPM, however consulting your veterinarian is first advised.
HIVES
Horses with allergies or hives can be sensitive to touch. When bodywork is approved, experimenting with the level of touch being used can be beneficial for the horse.
HORSES ON STALL REST
Light bodywork may be beneficial in helping a horse on stall rest remain supple and in good spirits. It’s important to note however that if the reason for stall rest is due to a leg or hoof issue, that the horse may have difficultly supporting himself and techniques would need to be modified. Again, always advised to first consult your veterinarian first.
The Masterson Method is a wonderful modality in that it can be adapted in ways that can meet the needs of most horses. If you ever have concerns however about your horse receiving bodywork, I am always available to talk through them with you and your veterinarian!
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Did you know that the lumbar vertebrae aren't supported by either the pelvis or ribs, which can make this area more prone to muscle soreness?
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Welcome back winter!
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During a bodywork session, subtle responses are the first to be observed and help in guiding the direction in which the session flows.
Following that often come the larger responses. They are an indication that some level of tension is being released within the horse.
Have you seen your horse responding during a bodywork session in any of these ways?
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My commitment to you and your horse is to provide a comprehensive bodywork session where I will identify areas holding tension and help facilitate the releasing of that tension with the goal of improving performance, range of motion, movement and the over all well being of your horse.
I am here with the knowledge, passion and desire to become an integral component of your horse's wellness program. With spring approaching and more idyllic riding weather on the way, what better time to become acquainted!
✉️ [email protected]
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Trust your intuition. Take that leap. The best things in life often aren't the ones that happen without challenging you first.
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Have you ever considered tension in the hyoid apparatus to be a contributing factor to your horse's ability to perform?........................................................
'Ride softly, listen carefully and love completely'.......................................................
Thankful for healthy horses and high quality feed on a brisk and beautiful winter morning.
"All MMCPs that joined The Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner program had a common interest, which is to improve equine performance and wellness and to better understand horses."
Lateral cervical flexion starts the process of releasing tension within the horse’s poll/atlas junction and cervical vertebra of the neck. When a joint or junction is asked to move through a range of motion while in a relaxed state, tension that may have accumulated there will begin releasing.
The poll/atlas junction is often considered one of the most important junctions as it’s the gateway that ties the horse’s brain to the rest of its body. If tension is being held there, the connection will have a ripple effect on both function and movement within the rest of the body.
Outward signs that a horse is releasing include licking and chewing. This is a parasympathetic response which is an indication that the nervous system is moving away from a sympathetic state (flight or freeze) and into a tension releasing recovery and healing state.
So what is the Masterson Method and what might a session look like?
Thanks for being here! I'm Lizzi - a Masterson Method Student, life long horse horsewoman and equine bodywork provider.
Bozeman is my hometown, a place I feel so fortunate to have grown up in. My love for horses began when I was young and I've since then never been able to shake it. Trail riding was where I first caught the bug. I then discovered the thrill of working cattle but was in need of a younger model of horse. The younger horses directed my attention on the finer details of riding as I set lofty goals to improve my horsemanship skills. I showed throughout the state of Montana before moving to Colorado where I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Equine Science.
I've always known my calling for horses was permeant, and over the past year I've been able to put my focus towards becoming a certified practitioner. Outside of my life with horses I am a mother, wife, explorer, skier, hiker and lover of Chocolate Labrador Retrievers.
Thanks for being on this journey with me as I become a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner!
Welcome Equine Enthusiasts!
Bozeman, MT
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Lateral cervical flexion starts the process of releasing tension within the horse’s poll/atlas junction and cervical vertebra of the neck. When a joint or junction is asked to move through a range of motion while in a relaxed state, tension that may have accumulated there will begin releasing. The poll/atlas junction is often considered one of the most important junctions as it’s the gateway that ties the horse’s brain to the rest of its body. If tension is being held there, the connection will have a ripple effect on both function and movement within the rest of the body. Outward signs that a horse is releasing include licking and chewing. This is a parasympathetic response which is an indication that the nervous system is moving away from a sympathetic state (flight or freeze) and into a tension releasing recovery and healing state. #equinewellness #equinebodywork #horsecare #equineeducation #equine #mastersonmethodstudent #mastersonmethod #beyondhorsemassage
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