Jim Masterson

About Me

Beyond Horse Massage: The Masterson Method has the uncanny ability to make horses blink, yawn, and stretch. These and other responses are welcome signs that horses are releasing physical tension that can cause stiffness, pain, and reduced performance in all levels of horses from Olympic level to backyard equine companions.

The Masterson Method is an innovative form of bodywork that relaxes the horse's body and relieves muscles, connective tissue, and structure of deep stress and pain. Through the gentle and light manipulation of Release Points; the movement of joints or junctions through a range of motion in a relaxed state; and studied observation of the horse's responses (his reactions tell you what he is feeling), you'll open doors to improved health and performance while enhancing communication - and your relationship - along the way.

Jim Masterson, Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012 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 to therapists and horse owners, 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. When he first became interested in equine massage in 1997, Jim recognized that the horse exhibits certain neurological responses to touch as it releases tension in the body. Using those responses to guide his work, he developed a system in which the horse participates in the process by showing the practitioner where tension has accumulated, precisely how much pressure is needed to release it, and when it has been released. The result is an effective method of bodywork that anyone can learn to use, to improve performance while at the same time opening new levels of communication and trust with the horse.

In 2004, Real Bodyworks of California released an instructional DVD, Equine Massage for Performance Horses: The Masterson Method.

In 2006, Jim was invited to accompany the USET Endurance Team to the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Team member Jennifer Niehaus said afterward, "Of all the things that were done for my horse Cheyenne, the bodywork Jim did was the most beneficial. He has truly never moved as nicely as he did in Germany." In 2008 Jim was again asked to accompany the Team to the FEI World Endurance Championships in Malaysia. Team member Meg Sleeper, DVM said of Jim, “It is impossible to overestimate Jim's ability to keep performance horses working at their peak level. Simply put, he is like having a secret weapon." Jim again supported our Endurance Team at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.

Jim has been a presenter to large crowds of enthusiastic horse owners at Equitana Asia Pacific (Australia, 2008) and Equine Affaire (US, 2009 and 2012) equine conventions and was invited to demonstrate his techniques at the Syracuse Invitational Horse Show (2009). Jim currently works on 500 to 600 horses a year on the U.S. Hunter-Jumper Show circuit, including top equine competitors in events such as the USEF and Maclay Medal series, and FEI Grand Prix, Nation’s Cup, Pan American and World Cup jumping events. He continues to help members of the USET Singles Driving Team (he helped them prior to the 2010 Championships in Italy) and members of the USET Jumping team. Jim anticipates helping both at the 2012 Olympics.

Career Highlights

~ 2003: Jim went public with his Method, scheduling demonstrations and seminars of the Masterson Method at private barns and public facilities sponsored by clubs and organizations in the US and overseas.

~ 2004: in conjunction with Real Bodyworks of California, Jim produced an instructional DVD, Equine Massage for Performance Horses: The Masterson Method.

~ 2006: Jim was invited to accompany the USET Endurance Team to Aachen, Germany, for the FEI World Equestrian Games as the Equine Massage Therapist.

~ 2007: Jim Masterson continued to travel the world to teach “hands-on” workshops and seminars in Italy and the United Kingdom for horse owners and professionals alike.

~ 2008: Due to popular demand, Jim began teaching a Certification Course in the Masterson Method in both the United Kingdom and the United States to those that want to use this Method as a career path in Equine Massage.

~ 2008: Jim was asked to help the USET Endurance Team again, this time at the FEI World Championships in Malaysia.

~ 2008: Jim presented at Equitana Asia Pacific in Australia and to teach workshops for horse owners, trainers and therapists.

~ 2009: Jim presented at Equine Affaire Conventions and the Syracuse Invitational horse show. Jim began teaching both foundational and certification courses in Ireland.

~ 2009: Jim started to offer video over the web on YouTube, his website, and other equine sites such as Equestrian Life and Barn Mice.

~ 201: Equine Bodyworker for members of the USET Driving Team (singles) in Holland and to members of the Jumping team. Jim began teaching courses in Belgium.

~ 2010: Invited to FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington KY as the United States Endurance Team equestrian bodyworker.

~ 2011: Invited to FEI Endurance race with the USET Riders in Chile.

~ 2011: Jim, with the help of Stefanie Reinhold, co-authored a book on the Masterson Method, "Beyond Horse Massage," published by Trafalgar Publishing.

~ 2011: Jim tapes a new DVD to accompany the book, published November of 2011.

~ 2012: Beyond Horse Massage Book and DVD available for purchase.

~ 2012: Pomona Horse Expo; Iowa Horse Fair; Equine Affaire and Western States Expo presenter.

~ 2013: Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, Northwest Horse Expo, Iowa Horse Expo, Midwest Horse Expo, Minnesota Horse Expo presenter.

Basic Information

Jim 's Riding Style

Primary Discipline	Horse Health
Secondary Discipline	Other » Performance

Other Information

Jim 's Affiliated / Owned Businesses

Masterson Equine Services