Beyond Horse Massage: A Breakthrough Interactive Method for Alleviating Soreness, Strain, and Tension

by Jim Masterson

Would you like to enable your horse to perform and feel better, to overcome old limitations and restrictions and reach its full potential? In this book, Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 and 2008 and 2010 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions, teaches a unique method of equine bodywork , in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance. This practical book : • has step-by-step instructions, photographs and illustrations • is ideally suited to accompany you to the barn, where you will practice the Masterson Method® techniques on horses. • includes chapters with Tips & Techniques, anatomical explanations and examples from Jim's practice help deepen your understanding. • has a "quick reference" section will point you to exercises that are specifically suited to your particular discipline, may it be dressage, endurance, eventing or barrel racing, or others in the vast realm of horse sports. By using these techniques, and knowing the responses to look for, you are able to: • achieve a release of accumulated stress in deep-seated key junctions of the horse's body that affects mobility, comfort, attitude, training and performance • restore muscular and structural balance, and natural alignment • enable your horse to perform optimally and respond to your training without stiffness and pain • achieve new levels of communication and trust with your horse that spill over into other areas of interaction.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2011

Reviews

[Kaycee Monnens · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC resource that I will be returning to many times. I learned so much and progressed from Masterson’s approach of lightness and listening to the horse.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought a 16 y/o QH Paint mare. She was passed from owner-to-owner, was previously used as a lesson horse, and was in need of a new home. A very smart horse but did not want to be ridden, would try to buck rider off and was just plain nasty. I engaged the help of a wonderful trainer who practices “natural Horsemanship” techniques and we have been working with my mare for about a year now just doing ground work excersizes to re-engage her core. My trainer and I now assume she has had back issues for a long time from being incorrectly ridden, wrong saddle fit, and over-used in lessons too long.
Coincidentally, my sister sent me the Beyond Horse Massage book to see if it would help this mare. OMG! I started with the bladder meridian technique and am now wanting to take all the Masterson courses! My mare’s personality has changed from nasty to willing! It is truly amazing and I wish ALL horses, everywhere could have this done to them. When the horse is able to release tension, it is the best feeling it the world! For both the horse and the practitioner!
With Masterson, we were able to progress to a Bareback Pad and also a custom saddle cut to her exact measurements from Jochen Schleese. I never gave up on this mare because horses don’t lie. I just wish every horse could have a Masterson Massage - help spread the word!

[Rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book (and continue to refer to it constantly), practiced a technique or two, and was/am grateful for his down-to-earth style of explaining how and what to do and what to expect. Accompanied by the DVD, which allows a person to watch Masterson perform his work, I felt even more informed and comfortable trying the method. But my aha moments came when I took a weekend workshop which REALLY brought the magic of the Masterson Method to life. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting to enhance their relationship with their horse. Mine is enjoying the work being done on him!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in conjunction with Acupressure For Horses, and it really helped to have both books in order to understand the content in both. I also really appreciate having a book to refer to while watching his videos. I think it's easier to understand what all he is doing in the videos when you can read a detailed breakdown in the book. Anyway, his method is essentially acupressure, he shows the opening and closing stretches and warm-ups complete with typical acupressure points and what they affect in the horse's body. I am so excited to try these techniques on my horses!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterson's innovative technique is described in an accessible way in this book. A wonderful way to strengthen the bond between horse and rider, as well as make your horse more comfortable and perform better. This is a fantastic technique that can be achieved by anyone with a fundamental knowledge of horse behavior, and a willingness to be a bit patient with their horse. Watching the DVD in accompaniment with the book is a great way to make sure you are doing the exercises right. Horse-approved, as well as reader approved!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure magic. Jim Masterson is my new hero. His method is simple, easy to follow and results oriented. To be able to do this for my horse and see his responses...breathing deeply, yawning repeatedly, licking my hands, relaxing his whole body..is a beautiful thing. I bought the downloaded video as well as the book and refer to both of them on a weekly basis.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now have this book on my tablet and it goes everywhere with me. As a retired PT, I'm very familiar with massage techniques. Even so, I am blown away by the size of the response the horse gives at what is called the "air gap" touch.
If you own a horse you need this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I got the DVD as well. This method makes a lot of sense, I'm excited to incorporate it into my practice!

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational with loads of visual examples and step by step pictures.

[Monnie]

Helpful read

I was given a beautiful overo with serious pain issues!!! Unable to contact the breeder to get an idea of what happened this book has been a life saver for Sky and me.