The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork

The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Improving performance, communication and relationship with your horse. The Masterson Method® is an integrated, multi-modality method of equine massage.
(209)

It is a unique, interactive method of equine massage in which you learn to recognize and use the responses of the horse to your touch to find and release accumulated tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. In contrast to most traditional modalities, it enables the horse to actively participate in the process of releasing tension. It is something you do with the horse, ra

ther than to the horse. This participation and interaction are what makes the method fascinating for those who use it. In fact, if you do not allow the horse to participate, it does not work!

Something exciting is coming… 👀 If you’ve been wanting to dive deeper into The Masterson Method from home (or gift an am...
11/21/2025

Something exciting is coming… 👀 If you’ve been wanting to dive deeper into The Masterson Method from home (or gift an amazing learning tool to a friend), keep your eyes on our posts.
November 24… you’ll want to be here. Stay tuned!

11/19/2025

Why Wednesday ⁓ My horse has tension in his neck, especially behind the jawline. Is there anything I can do with the Masterson Method® to help him?

Answer: Tension in the upper neck and jawline can make even light contact uncomfortable. If your horse braces or throws his head, move to a more comfortable area (like the lower neck) and slowly work your way back toward the poll.

If he’s still tight, try gentle Search–Response–Stay–Release (SRSR) points around the poll and jaw using Air Gap pressure to help him soften.

Once he relaxes, use the Jawline Wiggle Technique to release the poll indirectly: place a light hand on the nose, search for a blink along the jaw groove, rest with Egg Yolk pressure, then wiggle, soften, and repeat. If he fusses, pause. If he’s sensitive on the nose, use the halter instead.

For a clear visual, watch how Jim demonstrates this in the video; his soft, patient wiggle is exactly what helps the poll let go.

Additional Tips: Think micro wiggles, not big movements. Pause if he fusses and fidgets; just pause, soften, and wait until he settles, then continue. If he doesn’t like your hand on his nose, you can do the same soft wiggle using the halter instead.

If you want to learn more about how gentle techniques can support your horse’s comfort and overall well-being, take a look at our Light to the Core courses:

https://f.mtr.cool/iicqupkhez

We are nearing the end of the year, and the November Masterson Method Newsletter is out now! This month’s issue is full ...
11/17/2025

We are nearing the end of the year, and the November Masterson Method Newsletter is out now!

This month’s issue is full of all the stories and news we love hearing from Jim and The Masterson Method Team:

🍂Fall on the Farm
Jim shares autumn musings from the Midwest, complete with towering corn, last rides of the season, and some classic barn humor.

🐴 FergƱs Is Here!
Jean Abernathy’s beloved cartoon horse, FergƱs, now stars in a brand-new book featuring Jim! Pre-orders are open, and shipping will start in mid-December.

🦷 A Visit from Gretchen Deane
The annual dental check-in brought expert insights from MMCP and Natural Balance Dentist Gretchen Deane as she worked with Banjo, Griffin, and Jeremiah.

🌵 Mark & Jim Clinic Returns
The annual Considering the Horse: Mind and Body clinic with Mark Rashid is back February 13–15 in Cave Creek, AZ. Auditors welcome!

🖤Also, Black Friday is approaching, and we are preparing a great sale for all of you who want to continue learning from home! In the newsletter, you'll find all the details!

Click on the link below to read it, enjoy the photos and videos, and stay up to date on everything Masterson Method!
https://f.mtr.cool/dulchnzybn

Remember, you can always find all our newsletters on the website under Resources, along with Free Educational Videos, the Bodywork Blog, Podcasts, and Articles.

Not subscribed yet? Sign up on our website to stay updated:

https://f.mtr.cool/wdbiuhfgyh

📢BIG FERGUS NEWS!📢There's a new book from Fergus coming up that we are all going to enjoy! In this newest comic adventur...
11/14/2025

📢BIG FERGUS NEWS!📢

There's a new book from Fergus coming up that we are all going to enjoy! In this newest comic adventure, Fergus is soaring over jumps and collecting prizes… until the stress of it all starts weighing him down.
And who should appear to help him feel better? Jim Masterson!

With gentle hands and a calming presence, Jim helps Fergus unwind, release tension, and remember how good it feels to just be a horse.

Jean Abernethy captures every hilarious and heartwarming moment, and we’re thrilled to see Jim featured in such a fun yet meaningful way.

🐴Fergus and the Man Named Jim is now available for pre-order for delivery in the US, México, and Canada on our website (link below). Don’t miss this charming new chapter in the Fergus universe for $18.95! (shipping mid-December)

https://mastersonmethod.com/product/fergus-and-the-man-named-jim-book/

11/12/2025

Why Wednesday: My horse had dental issues last year. Everything was treated and cleared up by the dentist, but he still shows sensitivity that feels like lingering tension in the TMJ. Since he reacts to pressure, is there a light-touch way to help him?

Answer: Even after dental problems are resolved, some horses hold on to tension in the tissues around the jaw and TMJ. That lingering tightness can be uncomfortable, and they usually cannot let it go without a bit of guidance. This is where the Masterson Method can be very helpful, because we work with their subtle responses to find the exact spots that need attention.

A great starting point for this situation is the TMJ Point. This joint is where the jaw meets the temporal bone. To find it, trace a line from the outer corner of the eye toward the base of the ear until you feel a small dip between two bones.

How to try it:

▪️Begin with the Search Response Stay Release to locate the precise spot your horse reacts to, often with a blink. You can do one side at a time or both. Notice which side carries more tension.
▪️Use air-gap pressure. Hover over the hair or barely touch the skin if he is extra sensitive, then wait for his response.
▪️Stay connected with him and follow the blink. Light touch is usually the most effective here.

If you want to learn more about how gentle techniques can support your horse’s comfort and overall well-being, take a look at our Light to the Core courses:
https://mastersonmethod.com/light-to-the-core-course-2/

11/07/2025

Hyoid Release Follow-Up! Jim demonstrates how to place your hand softly on the roof of the horse's mouth.
But make sure you keep watching: his caution joke at the end is classic Jim😂😂

If you want to learn how to do these techniques safely and with guided practice, sign up for a Weekend Course. On our website you'll find all available dates and locations.

https://mastersonmethod.com/beyond-horse-massage-weekend-seminar/

11/05/2025

Why Wednesday ⁓ My horse tenses the masseter very often and the vet said he has a tight TMJ and Hyoid. Is there anything I can do with The Masterson Method to help him release tension in that area?

Answer: Yes, one simple technique you could try is the Hyoid Release technique. This is a subtle movement technique in which we do not move anything ourselves, we simply apply a light, steady touch and let the horse create the movement.

By resting the thumb gently on the roof of the mouth, or placing a finger softly under the tongue on the bars of the lower jaw, we stimulate the horse to move the tongue in and out. This natural movement helps loosen the hyoid apparatus and supports release through interconnected areas including:

🔸The tongue and jaw
🔸The TMJ
🔸The poll
🔸The upper cervical vertebrae
🔸Muscles connecting to the sternum and forelimb

As the horse relaxes into this, the tongue and jaw movement becomes softer and more coordinated, indicating tension is releasing. It usually takes only 10–20 seconds, and can be done from both sides to access slightly different movement patterns.

👉 Share this video with anyone who may find it useful! And if you’d like to go deeper, join a hands-on Weekend Course to learn Masterson Method® techniques to improve mobility, release tension, and deepen your bond with your horse.

https://mastersonmethod.com/beyond-horse-massage-weekend-seminar/

11/04/2025

Check this out! In this Absorbine® video, Masterson walks viewers through practical methods horse owners can use to help their horses move more freely, perform better, and feel their best.

10/31/2025

Horses are highly sensitive to our intention. Even when our hands are gentle, they can feel when we approach them intending to “fix” something. That type of intention can create internal bracing, and the horse prepares, protects, and holds tension instead of releasing it.

In The Masterson Method®, we approach with curiosity, softness, and neutrality. Instead of having the intention to solve a specific issue, we observe and follow the horse’s responses.

When we shift from “fixing” to noticing, the horse’s nervous system stays relaxed, and that’s when deeper releases naturally happen. Let the horse show you what needs attention. A neutral intention creates safety, and in safety, the body can truly let go.

👉 Want to learn this approach hands-on? Explore our Beyond Horse Massage Weekend Courses and discover how intention, feel, and responsiveness transform the horse-human relationship while helping horses improve their comfort and performance.

https://mastersonmethod.com/courses/

Massage

10/29/2025

Why Wednesday ~ My horse has been a bit stiff in his back lately, and I have tried the Lateral Rocking technique from the Beyond Horse Massage book, but I can't get the movement through the back to his nose because he braces a little. Do you have any tips for doing this technique with him?

Answer: Many horses need a little extra time to let the motion travel from their hindquarters, through the spine, up to the neck and head. If your horse has been holding tension, has back discomfort or restriction, he might instinctively brace against the movement, especially if it’s too firm or not rhythmic enough.

Here’s a simple tweak: soften the rocking into a gentle wiggle, just like instructor Sandy Vreeburg demonstrates in this clip. Keep it subtle, smooth, and rhythmic for at least 30 seconds, giving your horse a chance to relax into it.

Tips to try:
🔹 Stand by the hip, place your rocking hand on the sacrum, and lightly hold the dock of the tail (no wagging!).
🔹 Start small side-to-side movements with your rocking hand until you find a rhythm that your horse responds to.
🔹 Bring in your helping hand to enhance the rolling motion. Imagine a wave traveling through his body. Stay relaxed and breathe!
🔹 Guide the motion toward areas that need extra attention, moving your helping hand along ribs that line up with tight spots.

If you stay light enough, long enough, as Jim usually says, your horse will often let go of more tension than you might expect!

Ready to take what you see here and feel it for yourself? Join a Weekend Course before October 31 and you’ll get the Home Study Course FREE, that’s a $179.99 bonus! Don’t miss the chance to connect deeper with your horse and bring these techniques to life.

👉 Click on the link below to find the course nearest you before the offer ends!
https://mastersonmethod.com/courses/


Address

1916 Highway 1
Fairfield, IA
52556

Telephone

+16414721312

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork:

Shortcuts

Share