Visit the Masterson Method® Courses page, reserve your spot and join us in September to discover how to release tension in key areas of your horses body, improving performance and deepening your bond with your horse. The course is taught in English by Masterson Method® Instructor, Lucie Klaassen, who is a certified instructor in Straightness Training, Centered Riding and Freestyle and a Squire in the Academic Art of Riding.
Great news: there will be a The Masterson Method® Weekend Course taking place in Hampen, Denmark on September 6th and 7th 2025
Great news: there will be a The Masterson Method® Weekend Course taking place in Hampen, Denmark on September 6th and 7th 2025
How it works
The Masterson Method® is a unique, interactive method of equine bodywork that aims to release tension in the body and ultimately improve the horse’s performance. Years of stress and stiffness can often be resolved in a few sessions, by relieving built-up tension in core muscles and key junctions of the body that affect the horse’s performance. The horse communicates 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 Masterson Method Certified Practitioner uses subtle changes in body language to get not-so-subtle results (Text taken from: https://mastersonmethod.com/).
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 behaviour as the Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (or trained owner) does this – she/he enables the horse to show where it is holding tension; enables the nervous system to release it; and enable the horse to show the release (https://mastersonmethod.com/).
The approach of a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner
The Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner (MMCP) recognizes and uses the responses of the horse to find and release tension. In contrast to traditional massage, the MMCP works with the horse’s nervous system and the horse actively participates in the process. It is something done together with the horse, rather than to the horse. This participation and interaction are what makes the Method® fulfilling for those who use it and transformational for the horse. Testimonial after testimonial describe radically improved performance, movement, behaviour, and relationship with the owner, as a result of The Masterson Method®.
My Masterson Method® journey
As so often the case with horse people: I embarked on my Masterson Method® journey for the sake of my own horses, each of whom presented me with their individual challenges. In the beginning it did not grasp what I had gotten us all into! Now nearing the end of my fieldwork studies to become a Masterson Method® Certified Equine Practitioner, I am firmly convinced that what I am learning is exactly what I wanted for my own personal development and for maintaining the health, joyful movement and performance of horses.
Throughout the fieldwork part of the education I am able to work with and learn from many different ridden and unridden horses and their owners. The mentoring I receive in the process is very detailed and supportive for me and always in the best interest of the horse. The fact that it is beneficial for the horse to receive a second treatment within three to four weeks allows me to implement feedback and with that deepen the positive impact of the Method® on the horse while adding to my learning experience. Coaching sessions with senior Masterson Method® Practitioners at the end of each of the 3 learning blocks ensure that I progress in my proficiency of individual techniques and refine my overall practice.
Offerings
To complete my fieldwork I am currently seeking a couple of additional horses that are being ridden (for feedback from their rider). If you would like to volunteer your horse for this, please do contact me either via phone or email (contacts are at the bottom of this page).
As advanced student in the Masterson Method® I am also available to come to your horse, outside of my fieldwork, and help you with your horse’s performance or movement issues. During the session I would be delighted to share details about the Masterson Method® and show you how you can help your horse with the Bladder Meridian Technique.
For my work I currently charge a fee of 40 €/300 DKK per session (usually around 2 hours) and while I cover the fuel costs for consultations within a 30 km radius, 30 cent/2.5 DKK per km will be added for any additional kilometre travelled.
What your horse can expect from a consultation
As everything in the horse's body is connected, the Masterson Method® addresses the whole horse during a treatment session. It is not uncommon that a session takes 2 hours or more…. You are more than welcome to be with your horse as it gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge with you and demonstrate the various techniques as I move through the session.
However, I can understand if you cannot be available throughout.
Before commencing a consultation, it is helpful to have an introduction to your horse, your thoughts and any questions. At the end of the session I share my findings with you and we can jointly consider how you and your horse can move forward.
The treatment begins with an evaluation of the horse, i.e. inspection, palpation for reaction of the horse's body in key areas. The results will be noted in a chart and at the end of the treatment another evaluation will take place to see whether initial reactions to palpation are still present. Restrictions that may remain after the treatment will equally be noted down to be addressed in a follow up consultation.
Before and after the treatment
The horse should ideally not be worked on the day of the treatment
As the session takes around about 2 hours and the horse is not able to eat throughout, please ensure that she/he had access to hay before the session.
Following the session the horse ideally has the opportunity to move freely in a paddock or field.
Ideally the horse should not be worked or exercised in the first 24-48 hours so that the effect of the treatment can settle in. Free movement or walks however will be beneficial.
Tangible improvements in movement can be achieved with just one Masterson Method® treatment. For optimal results however a second treatment should be scheduled within 2-4 weeks apart. We can exchange our thoughts on the need for another consultation on-site.
Important to note:
The Masterson Method® is no substitute for veterinary treatment!
As advanced student of the Masterson Method® I am not a certified Masterson Method Practitioner yet.