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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY EQUINE BODYWORK PRACTICE...
MASTERSON METHOD®️ INTEGRATED EQUINE PERFORMANCE BODYWORK
Horses communicate almost entirely through body language; from the most subtle level to the most obvious. Most of the horse’s body language is missed by us. The Masterson Method is an interactive method of bodywork in which the owner uses subtle changes in body language to get not-so-subtle results. By applying levels of pressure (touch) and movement to the horse’s body in a way that the horse’s nervous system is unable to brace against or guard- and reading changes in the horse’s behavior as you do this – you enable the horse to tell you where it is holding tension; you enable her nervous system to release it; and you enable her to tell you when it has been released. That part of the horse’s nervous system that blocks out pain and discomfort (the sympathetic, or flight, fight or freeze) lets go, and that part of the nervous system that regenerates and heals (the parasympathetic) comes into play. This allows the horse to release tension that it has difficulty releasing on its own.
EQUINE MYO-MANIPULATIVE FUNCTIONAL THERAPY
Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy means making changes in the muscles to achieve proper function. This is a form of sports massage that rather than just focusing on the massage techniques, it also addresses physical therapies and exercises and can further improve the horse's function and ability to perform at an optimal level.
Myo-fascial massage specifically addresses the myo-fascial system of the body - the muscles influenced by the facial layers. Injuries to the fascia will result in decreased range of motion and pain sensation. Restrictions in the fascia will influence the horse’s ability to move optimally and can lead to a decrease in performance and an increase in the chance of further injury. Techniques used in myo-fascial massage include; Sweeping, Circles, and C strokes, Skin Rolling, Compression and Cross Fiber Friction.
EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE
An equine massage therapists' #1 tool is their HANDS!
Nothing replaces the direct contact of my hands on the horse. Horses are extremely sensitive creatures and will respond to the lightest touch. They will also give me loads of information in the most gentle of ways.... a spasm, a ripple, a softening. Only my hands can determine how a muscle is reacting to each treatment and if I need to add or decrease the pressure.
Equine massage uses Effleurage, Pettrisage, Friction, Tapotement, and shaking to manipulate the soft tissue to elicit a response; increasing lymphatic drainage, increase circulation, soothe and calm the horse, stimulate their nervous system, increase their range of motion, and to increase their suppleness and mobility.
EQUINE KINESIOLOGY TAPING
Kinesiology taping on human athletes is all the rage: widely used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and personal trainers. We see it on Olympians, runners, basketball players andon amateurs and professionals. The idea behind taping is that it provides incredible support and stabilization of ligaments and tendons while simultaneously stretching and flexing like a “second skin” to allow full range of motion. It can also activate or relax muscles, depending on its application. Our equine athletes can benefit hugely from taping techniques.
Kinesiology taping can be used for:
Muscles • Lymphatic systems • Scar tissue • Fascia • Hematoma • Tendons •
Numerous case studies demonstrate how taping can change your horse's life, keeping them pain-free and performing their best for years to come.
RED LIGHT THERAPY
Red light therapy system products work by applying specific wavelengths of light to stimulate a healing response. redlight has wavelengths ranging from 660 to 940 nanometers. It can penetrate deeper into the body. The higher the nanometers, the deeper the treatment penetrates.
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Aids in the repair of torn ligaments and tendons.
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Reduces joint pain, osteoarthritis, arthritis, navicular syndrome, etc.
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Heals open wounds and scars.
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Aids in the healing of fractures, sprains, and muscle strains.
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Helps alleviate pain due to bursitis.
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Relief from abdominal pain.
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Elimination of pain caused by menstrual cramps.
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Reduction of muscle pain
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Improves blood circulation.
BALANCE PADS
Balance pads are a valuable tool in equine bodywork and rehabilitation. Their soft, unstable surface encourages the horse to make small, continuous postural adjustments while standing, helping develop proprioception (body awareness), postural stability, and neuromuscular coordination.
When a horse stands on balance pads, the nervous system receives changing sensory information from the hooves and limbs. This encourages the horse to explore how it distributes weight and maintains balance.
Potential benefits include:
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Improved proprioception: Encourages awareness of hoof placement and limb position.
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Postural muscle engagement: Promotes subtle stabilizing responses throughout the limbs, trunk, and supporting musculature.
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Weight distribution: Encourages the horse to explore different loading patterns and recognize asymmetries.
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Neuromuscular coordination: Challenges communication between the sensory and motor systems.
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Joint stabilization: Encourages small adjustments around the joints without requiring large movements.
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Body awareness and relaxation: Some horses become quieter and more attentive to their bodies during controlled balance-pad work.
It's not about making the horse work harder. It's about helping the nervous system become more aware.
In my bodywork sessions, balance pads can be used to complement hands-on techniques, encourage self-directed postural adjustments, and support more coordinated movement. The goal is not to force a particular posture, but to provide sensory input that allows the horse to discover its own balance.
Balance pads should be introduced gradually, on a safe, level surface, with attention to the horse's comfort and ability. They are not appropriate for every injury or stage of rehabilitation.
BEMER THERAPY
BIO-ELECTRO MAGNETIC ENERGY REGULATION
"The BEMER horse-set has been proven to have a positive impact on your horse's body. It strengthens your horse's health in terms of prevention and promotes regeneration after illness. It improves suppleness during training or when preparing for competitions. It can also provide valuable support during the healing process, including recovery from muscle tension or tendon/ligament/muscle injury."
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Improves microcirculation and vasomotion
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Promotes relaxation and regeneration after exertion
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Supports parasympathetic processes in the organism
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Increases physical performance and optimizes suppleness
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Speeds up the recovery process after an injury
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Improves the anesthetic experience and regeneration after surgery
CUPPING
RockPods Glide explore the science of tissue gliding, traction and decompression with easy-to-use myofascial cups. These six soft silicone pods maximize dynamic cupping benefits, improving slide and glide of soft tissue to treat mobility and movement dysfunctions. Each set of RockPods Glide comes in a convenient carrying case, includes a 50mg jar of RockRub and a quick-start guide. RockPods Glide are finely crafted with silicone cups that are easy to clean and have no moving parts, so you can go from treatment-to-treatment with zero downtime.