Pre-Session Information Hello, I look forward to working with your horse soon. Here is how you and your horse get the most out of the upcoming session. Thank you for allowing me this appointment. I am a Masterson Method ® Certified Practitioner and am part of a vibrant community of other MMCP’s. Your horse will have indirectly access to the support of the collective knowledge base of this community as well. A Quick Introduction about the Masterson Method® of Equine BodyworkThe Masterson Method is an integrated, unique interactive, multi-modality method of equine massage. As a prey animal, your horse lives most of the time in fight, flight or freeze mode. This means that your horse’s sympathetic nervous system is in control, even when your horse may at times briefly switch out of it. However, your horse guards and hides weakness such as muscle tension or restriction as this makes your horse stand out as possible prey. Such tension and restriction can build up over time. Resting does not release this in your horse nor can your horse usually release on its own. The Masterson Method bodywork techniques tap into your horse’s parasympathetic nervous system thus asking your horse to forego giving in to instinctive (sympathetic nervous system triggered) bracing responses. By taking key body joints through a small range of motion while working under the horse's instinctive bracing response, this method releases tension in other key body junctions that most affect performance (Poll-Atlas Junction, Neck-Shoulder-Withers Junction and the Hind-End Junction), allowing the horse to actively participate in this process. The part of the horse's nervous system that blocks out pain and discomfort (the sympathetic nervous system) is turned off and that part of the nervous system that regenerates and heals (the parasympathetic nervous system) takes over, allowing the horse to release tension where the horse could not on its own. The horse must actively participate for this to work. These techniques not only help reduce soreness or stiffness, helping your horse to perform happier and better, but also allow your horse a safe space to process and release where needed. As the Masterson Method techniques tap into the para-sympathetic nervous system of your horse, you will see your horse respond with smaller and larger releases such as blinks, lip quivers, breathing changes, head shakes, leg stomping, licking or chewing, yawning, completely closing eye lids or “rolling” back the second eye lid. You are always welcome to be present during a session. Bring something comfortable to sit in as sessions can last 1-2 hours. Sit back, relax, watch, and connect with your horse. Your horse will have things to say and tell you. Thank you for trusting me with your horse. How to Prepare Your Horse for the Upcoming Session# Consult Your Veterinarian – The Masterson Method® is not a replacement for medical evaluation or treatment. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns about existing or suspected medical conditions that your horse may have and always ask your veterinarian if bodywork is not indicated for your horse. An example may be if your mare is pregnant. Please, always let me know any ongoing medical condition which your horse may be having and any treatment or medications involving your horse. # Cool Down – The Masterson Method® bodywork techniques are most effectively used with cold muscles. If possible, avoid work outs prior to the scheduled session. If a training session must occur, please, allow for at least 2-3 hours for moderate to heavy work and 1 hour for light work prior to the scheduled session appointment so that the horse can cool down. # Be Ready and On Time – prepare the environment and your horse before I arrive. The horse should be in a safe space that is familiar, preferably a stall or well known and shaded outdoor place. It is easier for your horse to release tension and restrictions in their body if in such a safe and familiar space. Usually, it will take a horse about 5 minutes to settle. Expect that the sessions usually last between 1-2 hours. It is your horse who determines the timeline. If possible, choose your appointment time frame that allows the session to remain uninterrupted and to end naturally without the end being rushed. # Provide a Clean Environment – A clean, level stall free from urine and manure works best. The stall should have absorbent material such as shavings on the ground as horses often urinate or defecate during sessions when entering a state of relaxation, may need to lay down or I may need to kneel down to work on your horse. # Remove Food Sources – Feed your horse before the appointment. Remove any lingering food sources from the stall as the horse may look for distractions and can become unfocused during the session. Also, chewing food brings attention to joint areas which may not be the ones being worked on in that moment, distracting the horse from releasing tension or restrictions in the right places. # Water Is Fine – Hydration is important during and after bodywork. Please have a source of fresh, clean water available. # Minimize Barn Traffic – Schedule your horse’s session during the quieter times at your location. Times to avoid are feedings, turnout times, turn in times, barn riding lessons, farrier/vet visits, high volume traffic times. If possible, avoid scheduling sessions during times you expect a lot of noisy activities right outside the treatment area such as deliveries of hay, feed, or shavings, or close proximity work with heavy or noisy moving equipment. Certainly, work on your horse will continue under such circumstances but it is not the most effective environment for a bodywork session. # Remain Still and Quiet – It is always okay to be there when I work on your horse. However, please, refrain from petting or interacting with your horse during a session. It is very important to have focused participation from your horse. While working with your horse, Masterson Method® techniques tap into the para-sympathetic nervous system but other stimulation may easily bring your horse out of this state and make it more difficult to help your horse release tension and restrictions. Your horse communicates directly what is needed. While performing this type of bodywork, I am completely focused on the horse, staying in tune to recognize the slightest cues and releases. Watching your horse’s body language tells me what pressure to use where, where to go next and if your horse is ready for a particular technique. Usually during a session, there are some rest periods and this is a good time to ask me questions or talk with me. # Turn Out – If your horse normally resides in a stall, turn out before a session may help the horse be relaxed and mentally better prepared to be in the moment and on the same page as me. If possible, please, turn your horse out directly after the session to allow time to process the releases that have occurred and to “clear their minds”. If turn out is not available or possible, please hand walk your horse for about 10-15 minutes.# Return to Work – If possible, it is highly recommended to give your horse the next day off from any work or to only do very light work that next day. You can always contact me before I come to work with your horse if you have any concerns or questions up front. You can call or text me at 919-637-5637. Please leave me a phone or text message with your name and return phone number if needed. I will text or call you back as soon as possible.See you soon! Sabine