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

Jim Masterson presents a method of bodywork for the horse that seems too simple to work. I have been using this technique on my horses with remarkable results. Since buying the book, I have bought three DVDs and watched his videos that are posted online. The book gives clear, easy to follow directions and their are videos available at no cost online. Until I tried it on my horses, I was skeptical about this technique. It seemed a little too woo-woo. How could just lightly holding my hand over a point release tension in the horse? Well, it does. Jim Masterson explains what to do, what to watch for and includes safety for the horse and human in using his method. The book has lots of pictures in photographs and illustrations. There is enough anatomy to aid in understanding the method but not so much that the reader is overwhelmed. For each technique, the book contains a quick overview with photographs and brief descriptions of the steps. After the overview, the technique is described in detail. I find this style particularly helpful. The overview pages are useful in the field for reminders. I have found that the use of release and the Masterson Method has helped me and my horses in our training as well. I have a better feel for pressure and release in asking for movement from my horse while riding and my horse responds better. Our sense of timing is better. The only negative I've found is that I now want to go attend a seminar/training in person with Mr. Masterson. The book gave me a very good start. The effects have been so significant in freeing up my horses' movements that I want to learn more. I want to add that this technique allows the horse to find ways to release tension. The human does not force anything and that makes it very safe for the horse. I would never attempt something like a chiropractic adjustment because I believe that should be left to the professionals. This is not a substitute for good veterinary care. It is very much a way to work with the horse to improve performance and relationship.

One day, after casually massaging my slightly uptight horse's poll (at the cross-ties) and watching him nod, relax and let out a big yawn, I thought I should investigate further. What spot did I hit that elicited such a relaxation? This led me to "Beyond Horse Massage." I began applying the techniques that Jim Masterson clearly outlines in his book and saw a difference within the first few brief 10 minute sessions. We all know that the horse's skin is so sensitive that he/she can flick a gnat off. So surely our gentlest touch, carried out on the nerve paths, and done with as much attention to the horses conscious needs (and responses) as to technique could offer relief to stored up tensions and, as Masterson emphasizes, add a new dimension our trust relationship with our horse partners. "Beyond Horse Massage" is an easy to follow, practical guide to literally getting in touch with your horse and communicating with him/her, quietly and unhurriedly, and giving them great muscle tension relief in the process. It is a process that is good for both horse and rider.. Masterson's advice works: Don't be in a hurry, work on the horse's time, and you'll find both your horse and YOU relaxing and opening up to quieter, more productive ways of communicating and dealing with muscles tension in your horse (and you!), no matter what your level or type of riding. Highly recommended.

I picked up this book and the DVD as my Christmas present to myself this past year and am very glad I did. This book and the DVD by the same title, which is sold separately but in my mind should be packaged together, are extremely helpful in giving comfort and creating a union and connection with your horse, whether your horse is young and pain-free or a little older with a few stiffness issues but especially if he has a lot of soreness, such as chronic shoulder, neck, poll or back issues. I am no massage therapist but after watching the DVD and then working my way through the book I was able to apply the treatments to my horses and was truly very, very happy by their responses! It may seem like a "touchy-feely" sort of new treatment that is all show and no go but it absolutely gives positive results!My 4-year-old mare enjoyed it, my 12-year-old gelding found it to be very relaxing but my 17-year-old gelding who, when owned by his first human, was worked much too hard for way too long when he was a youngster and has lots of arthritis and pain issues today because of it, was ready to lie down and nap after the relaxation this brought to him! He was a very happy camper! It truly is a breakthrough method that works and you can absolutely see all the horses responding! It is very rewarding to see how you can bring such comfort to your horses.

This book will totally change the relationship you have with your horse. It creates such a sense of trust in the horse (I can literally touch my horse anywhere and lean under or around her in any position with no feati) and is so satisfying to see your horse relax in front of your eyes. I find it very soothing to myself as well, just spending time being calm and hanging out with my horse. I also have become more in tune with my horse's thoughts and reactions under saddle. Book is set up in such a way that you can read the steps for each exercise for quick use, or read more thorough discussion about anatomy or cause-effect or movement.

One of my goals is to take a certification course in Equine massage therapy. Upon researching the different schools, I did come across Jim Masterson's books. I bought this to give myself some knowledge and ability to familiarize myself with some techniques whilst I save up money for a real class. While my horse was alive, I would evaluate him using the technique from the book and provide him with some relief and relaxation after hard work. He was a barrel horse, and we all know how performance horses can get. My boy wasn't the most reactive fellow (he was pretty mellow, low on the totem pole, etc) but watching him drop his head, yawn and lick his lips as I massaged him was a great feeling. I unfortunately lost him a few months ago due to cancer, and even though I'm without a horse, I still practice techniques on my friend's horses from time to time. This is a wonderful book. I know there are many classes and courses out there, but I definitely recommend at least purchasing this book regardless which one you take. It's fantastic.

Very simple but throughly good!

I recently bought 2 gaited ponies that have been used extensively for trail riding. They perform that task well, but it seems that they were used to "throw on the trailer and go all day" riding - there are definitely some stress and tension issues that need addressing before they will be truly content. One pony is stiff all over, a bit distant and head-shy, the other is over-sensitive and can be spooky. Health and tack issues have already been addressed, so all that's left now is helping them to feel better about themselves. I like that Masterson puts "be careful" notes in his explanations of procedures, and "notes for the horse" and "notes for you". For horses that have been used like 4-legged ATVs, it can be a strange experience for them to have humans actually pay attention to their feelings and do something specifically to make them feel better, and they don't always know how to react appropriately to that new setup! But it is great to see when you really get through to a horse and get that reaction of "yes! please do that again, that feels great!" from the horse. Another book to consider is "Horse Speak" by Sharon Wilsie, it's all about communicating with your horse in a way that they can easily understand. Most horses really want that connection, and will reward you when you offer it to them, no matter how many mistakes you have to make to get there. I used to react with “why won’t my horse listen to me?!” whenever they behaved poorly, but the better approach is “what is my horse trying to tell me?” Sometimes a horse’s answer is “NO!” and you’ll need to come up with an alternative or a compromise. An outlook of curiosity towards a horse’s puzzling behavior, good or bad, really helps prevent frustration. If possible try out these methods with a sensitive horse first, they will quickly reveal when you are doing it right. Then you can apply your talents to stoic horses that can be hard to read.

The Book is perfect hardcover nice paper, photos & illustrations are clearly printed. Jim Masterson is a Master to say the least! Thank You Mr Masterson!

Superbe livre avec des illustrations à chaque étape ainsi que des questions réponses répondant à quasiment toutes les questions qu'on pourrait se poser !

Opera di sicuro interesse, adatta agli addetti ai lavori, non per tutti; infatti il contenuto presuppone buone conoscenze anatomiche e fisiologiche di base. Consigliato a tutti gli interessati

Very clear and easy to follow, have been using this method on my two horses and can see the releases and visible improvement. Both horses seem to really enjoy it. One of my horses, who is in rehab for a long term lameness, was very stiff and braced to start with so was quite resistant on the first attempt, but he now loves it and is much freer and softer in his muscles and moving better. Am recommending to all my friends. It is also a lovely way to build up your bond with your horses, spending slow quiet time with them with this very very gentle and effective technique.

Finally the type of equine massage book I've been looking for! Great explanations, easy to follow guides. I look forward to taking some hands on workshops hopefully in the near future

I love this book. I recently listened to a interview and he is an amazing man. My horses benefit from this method with even the basic movements. This is a must have for any horse owner as the the basics is a very simple process. If you have a horse (ridden or paddock pet) please get this one for their sake.