Beth started her journey in the Masterson Method® – Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™ in 2014 when a friend asked her to join her in a Weekend Clinic. Beth was drawn to the “lightness” of the method and went on to complete her certification in June of 2020.
Beth is looking forward to serving others by working with horses to help them release tension and restore movement in their bodies along with helping horse owners develop a greater communication and relationship with their horse through this method.
The Masterson Method® – Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™ is a non-invasive “unique, interactive method of equine bodywork that uses the nervous system to relieve tension in the junctions of the body most important for performance” allowing the horse to use its body to the best of its ability. The Masterson Method®, developed by Jim Masterson in 2005, works WITH the horse to identify changes in body language that show “where the horse is holding tension, when the tension is released and when a performance-limiting issue might be developing.” Light touch, working under the horse’s brace, along with gentle movement in a relaxed state help the horse to release deep, accumulated pain and tension in muscles and connective tissue along with helping to increase the horse’s range of motion.
The bodywork is best done during a quiet time of the day and in an area of the barn when and where your horse can relax and feel safe. It is preferable that there be no hay or feed immediately available as the practitioner and the horse work together in this method. It is best to do this work at least two hours after any exercise. The best thing to do after the bodywork session is to allow the horse turnout time to allow their body and mind to adjust to the internal releases, shifts and changes. It would be nice to allow your horse a day or two of turnout before resuming regular riding.
The length of the bodywork sessions depends on the horse’s response to the work. An initial bodywork session may take 2.5 to three hours with follow up sessions taking about two hours. Bodywork sessions can be done before competitive events only for existing clients as it takes time to know how each horse responds to the bodywork.
An Important Note: Equine bodywork sessions is not an alternative to veterinary care and does not diagnose conditions or treat injuries. If in doubt of the health of your horse, you should contact your veterinarian. Beth is happy to collaborate and to work with you your bet and your team of caregivers to provide care and maintain your horse’s overall wellbeing.
“Introduction to the Masterson Method Demonstration”
Do you want to improve your relationship with and understanding of your horse before the upcoming performance season? Schedule a three-hour, interactive Introduction to the Masterson Method™ of Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork presented by retired teacher, musician, horsewoman and Certified Masterson Method™ Practitioner, Elizabeth Wilson. Bring your own horse or borrow one of Beth’s.
The sessions are limited to four six participants. Each participant may bring one auditor to help hold their horse while they learn the techniques in the comfort of an insulated indoor arena.
Due to covid, auditors will be limited to those wanting to help participants hold their horses. Masks will be required for people and a negative coggins will be required for horses. Stalls will be available for your horse as needed.
Beth is also available to travel to your barn in the Duluth/Superior area for bodywork sessions on your horse. Please call to schedule an appointment.
Beth is available to do bodywork sessions on horses in the Duluth/Superior area.
Equine sports massage therapy (ESMT) is a therapeutic, hands-on massage technique used to improve the health and performance of horses. Documentation of use of this therapy is found in vet books from as early as the 1800’s. In recent years, it has gained acceptance as an important component of the care of horses.
Introduction of Equine Sports Massage Therapy to Rocky Run Stables
Due to injuries and “old age” in the horses of our barns, Ann Melander and Elizabeth Wilson decided to invite Karen Wilson, an Equine Sports Massage Therapist from the Twin Cities, up to the farm to do a clinic on massage therapy and to work on several of their horses. Numerous vets had recommended massage therapy for the injured and aging horses. Karen was the nearest equine sports massage therapist. The work Karen did resulted in dramatic improvements to the horses. Ann and Elizabeth were inspired and they decided to learn this type of therapy themselves. So, in June of 1997, Ann and Elizabeth traveled to Round Hill, Virginia and learned the art of Equine Sports Massage Therapy. They received and completed their training under the instruction of Mary Schrieber, founder of Equissage, Inc.
Mary Schreiber
During the 1980’s, certified human massage therapist Mary Schreiber studied with Jack Meagher, the pioneer in equine sports massage therapy. His success with applying massage techniques to thoroughbreds was outstanding. Incorporating the skills she learned from Jack, Mary began using massage on thoroughbred race horses and on her own competing western pleasure horses. She marketed her skills at local racetracks and for competition horses. People all over wanted to learn her techniques. Mary developed her own program that included ideas from Russian Equine Sports Therapy. She massaged many horses. In fact, her goal is to massage as many horses in her lifetime as possible. To increase her reach, she decided to start teaching others equine sports massage therapy so that more horses could benefit from the therapy. In 1989, Mary founded Equissage, Inc., and its equine sports massage therapy certification program began.
Elizabeth Wilson and Ann Melander
Elizabeth Wilson and Ann Melander are proud to be members of a growing health care field that assists the equine athlete in reaching its full potential. It gives them great satisfaction to help and provide relief to these noble athletes and friends. Elizabeth and Ann are Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapists and Members of the International Association of Equine Sports Massage Therapy. They received and completed their training in June, 1997 under the instruction of Mary Schrieber, founder of Equissage, Inc. Since that time, in working with massage therapy, they have learned just how important preventative measures are as well as corrective measures. Elizabeth and Ann now offer equine sports massage sessions in northeastern Minnesota.
Equine Sports Massage Therapy Session
A massage session takes approximately one hour to complete. The owner or caretaker needs to be present to hold the horse for the initial evaluation and massage. The massage session should be followed by hand-walking or light workout under saddle. The effects of massage may be immediate or may take several days. To be most beneficial, massage should be done on a routine basis. If requested, Bach Flowers or Young Living Essential Oils, or both, can be incorporated in to the session. Barn therapy sessions are $45.00 with extra fees for the Bach Flowers and for the Essential Oil. No machinery of any kind is used during a massage session.
Benefits of Equine Sports Massage Therapy
Relieves Tension
Eases Muscle Spasms
Lengthens Connective Tissue
Enhances Muscle Tone
Stimulates Circulation
Increases Flexibility
Eases Muscle Tension
Generally Improves the Disposition of the Horse
Helps Alleviate Stiffness In Muscles and Joints
Helps Restore Mobility To Injured Tissues
Breaks Down and Prevents the Formation of Adhesions
Helps Eliminate Waste Products and Toxins
Conditions That May be Helped by Equine Sports Massage Therapy
Head Tossing
“Off” for No Apparent Reason
Resisting Neck Motion to the Opposite Side
Short On Extensions
Sore Back
Bending Problems
Refusing or Resisting Leads
Shortened Strides
Hip and Shoulder Lameness
Improper Tracking
Girthing Problems
Muscular or “Cold Back”
Loss of Performing Ability and many more…
** Keep in mind that massage therapy is not a substitute for veterinary medicine. **
