May 2025 Equine Newsletter | | |
May 2025 Abbr. (abbreviated) Newsletter
Hello All,
Just arrived home yesterday from a three-week trip to Canada, with a short stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on the way home.
All of the events on this trip were amazing, but as Natalie is cracking the whip and expects me to get my part of the newsletter to her by, well… yesterday - this will be an abbr. newsletter!
This fun and successful trip included:
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1 Masterson Method Certified Practitioner Gathering at Reverence Horsemanship Center in Calgary, Alberta
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1 Horse Expo Canada in Red Deer, Alberta
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1 Relational Horsemanship Symposium with Josh Nichol at Horse in Hand Ranch in Red Deer
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2 Masterson Method Courses in Cobourg, Ontario
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1 new trail horse from South Dakota (see below)
Other than that, it was a slow month!
Take a look at the May photo album of these events and Other Stuff below. I will get back to you with a more wordy and less abbr. newsletter next month.
Memorial Day
One thing I do want to mention; one of the more important holidays of the year - Memorial Day - is coming up and I wanted to mention just a couple of the many people we’re involved with who support veterans through horses:
Laura Spielman, MMCP/MMES (Masterson Method Certified Practitioner/Masterson Method Equine Specialist), is very dedicated to our military and has been initiating new programs with both veterans and active-duty military in California since she became certified last year. I’m sure you’ve seen her in this newsletter a couple times already.
MMES Tina Peratino, founder of Withers and Wellness for Warriors, recently held an event for veterans in Florida, which you can read about below.
These are just a couple who’ve been active this year. We’ll be covering more in the upcoming months.
Western States Horse Expo
In the meantime, if you’re in California stop by and visit us at the Western States Horse Expo in Rancho Murietta June 6-8. I’ll be doin’ demos and hanging around the booth. Stop by and say ‘hi’!
Until next month, like me,
Enjoy Your Horses!
Jim
| | Gems from Jim - May Photo Album | | |
Thank you to Kirsten C. for the title of this section. Happy belated birthday to your two horses (see photos below)!
Jim's May Photo Album
At the MMCP Gathering
| | ‘Hanging out at the Saddle Up Magazine booth after an interview’ | | At the Relational Horsemanship Symposium | | ‘Josh explaining to Jim the virtues of the cowboy hat’ | | |
'Advanced 5-Day Students in
Cobourg, Ontario'
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'Nine - count 'em, NINE - new MMCPs!
Congratulations!'
| | ‘Nearby horses feelin’ the vibe!’ | | | | ‘Got to go hiking in B.C. with Instructor Lori Hoppe and husband Tom’ | | ‘Flying in B.C. with Tom’ | | ‘Air Canada arrival – flying with Bob Barrett in Cobourg’ | | |
‘Picked up new horse Banjo from South Dakota.
Getting used to other new horse Griffin’
| | Hand-in-Hand Symposium with Jim and Patrick King | | |
We had an incredible response to the news that Jim is teaming up with Patrick King for not one, but two, three-day clinics in Virginia this September.
All the participant spots have been snapped up, but there are still some auditing spots available for both dates. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from Jim and Patrick!
Auditors must pre-register and you can secure your spot by clicking the link below.
Location: Mane Gait Equestrian Center, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Dates: September 12 – 14 & September 15 – 17 (Auditing Spots Available Only)
Register for Auditing September 12 – 14
Register for Auditing September 15 – 17
Plus, if you haven’t attended one of our weekend courses yet, why not take the opportunity to sign up for some in-person instruction at the weekend course we’ll be hosting at Natural Bridge on September 20 – 21?
A clinic followed by a weekend course sounds like a great combo!
Register for Natural Bridge Weekend Course
| | Happy Birthday to Ren and Hero | | As mentioned above, Kirsten suggested the heading "Gems from Jim". She has a couple of "gems" in her life that just had birthdays in April - we celebrate them here! | | "Ren, in the aisle, received bladder meridian on the occasion of his 34th birthday Saturday (April 19)." | | "Meanwhile, Hero (in his stall) paid close attention and released a day ahead of schedule (he'll be 25 on Sunday)." | | |
With Memorial Day taking place on May 26, we pause to remember and honor those who have died in service to the United States during times of peace and war.
This month, we're also recognizing the ongoing journeys of veterans and the role horses can play in their healing. In this beautiful blog, Masterson Method Equine Specialist Tina Peratino shares her experience working with veterans from the Ocala Vet Centre.
“Last month, I had the honor of traveling to Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) in Ocala, Florida to lead a Withers and Wellness for Warriors workshop—an experience rooted in slowing down, being present, and offering care not just to people, but to the horses who serve them….”
| | MMCPs & MMESs Making an Impact | | An MMCP is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner; they have completed rigorous training to become proficient in The Masterson Method and to practice bodywork on a variety of horses. An MMES is a Masterson Method Equine Specialist; they have completed basic training to bring The Masterson Method into equine-assisted services programs to benefit participants receiving mental health or learning services while also benefitting program horses, creating a win-win. | | |
Laura Spielman, MMCP, MMES, continues working with members in the armed forces. And it looks like she's applied to work with those incarcerated in the Sacramento area. She certainly is keeping busy!
Here is a lovely testimonial from Jonni (Navy):
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"I started going to the Laughing Pony Rescue and met Laura in December 2024. She immediately made me feel comfortable around the horses and taught me about bladder meridian and heart hugs. My first experience doing bladder meridian was with a sweet Shire named Sophie. She suffered from EPM and when doing the bladder meridian she eventually had a big release. She started dancing and jumping around. It was an amazing experience to feel and see. It helped me personally in my own journey in healing and opened up myself to letting others in and help me.
Laura had also taught me how horses sense energy and how they work to help energy in others. I’ve felt that working with Laura and the horses have helped the energy in me. I’ve come a long way in my journey and each time I have gone to the Laughing Pony and spent time with Laura, the more and more I have felt that I was meant to be there and meet Laura. She has given me opportunities to volunteer with groups and has given me so much fulfillment. I’m forever grateful of Laura and the experience I have gotten."
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MMCP Jenny Lee, from Hawkhurst, Kent, UK, was scheduled to run a half marathon in Hastings in March to benefit the Brooke Foundation. When it was postponed, Jenny ran her own half marathon and raised £600! Brooke is a charity that improves the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, and Jenny runs to raise money for this worthy cause.
While Jenny doesn’t really enjoy lifting weights - much prefers running - she said that working on her core has helped her Masterson work. Many MMCPs can relate to anchoring our elbows on our knees when holding a foot and waiting for the horse to release tension and weight into our hands.
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From Jenny: “Sometimes when you sink into quietness with a horse…you feel their despair and fear. As I drive home I feel a sadness and heaviness that I can’t place or attribute to my own emotions. Running helps me process those feelings and literally run them off. It is weird but it works!
I just want to add how grateful I am to all at Masterson Method HQ and to all the team in the UK. Being a practitioner brings me so much peace and stability and is incredibly rewarding. It has been an anchor for me over the last few years when life’s challenges could have been overwhelming.”
Thank you, Jenny, from the MM team, for your service above and beyond. Keep running!
Would you like to read more of Jenny’s story and learn about Brooke? Here is a link to the article on the Brooke website:
https://www.thebrooke.org/news/kent-woman-raises-hundreds-brooke-own-half-marathon
| | Masterson Method Recognized Hosts | | Our success and ability to teach Masterson Method techniques to horse owners around the globe depends on the many farms, barns, and equine programs devoted to continued learning and support of our equine companions. We are honored by these relationships and proud to recognize Host Locations that continually provide space, time and horses for our work. Thank you! | | |
Maplewood Stables
The Masterson Method® would like to recognize Kathy Pappin and Maplewood Stables in Cobourg, Ontario, for her enthusiastic support and outstanding hosting of Masterson Method courses since 2017.
| | Jim Masterson, Kathy Pappin, Instructor Lori Hoppe | | |
Lasata Farm
"At Lasata Farm, we offer comprehensive equine education for individuals of all abilities, including those with adaptive needs, through horsemanship and riding. Our approach is grounded in building strong relationships between humans and horses, providing a rich learning environment where we meet each individual where they are, listen to their goals, and guide them on a journey of endless growth. We also provide Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), leveraging the natural, non-judgmental qualities of horses to support personal development. Additionally, Lasata Farm is home to Connect Therapeutics, a business offering Occupational Therapy services to the local community and beyond, using our equine team and extensive outdoor resources.
Our mission is to spread knowledge, both within our community and beyond, to help others understand the profound impact that working with horses can have. We strive to enhance the well-being of our equine partners, which is why we integrate the Masterson Method into our offerings. Hosting Masterson Method training allows us to not only enrich the lives of those around us with this invaluable education, but also provide our horses with the benefits of this gentle, profoundly effective technique. The love, care, and respect shown during these training sessions create a mutually beneficial experience for both the participants and the horses. We also aim to expand this knowledge to all of our clients through the Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES), so that everyone can benefit from these teachings."
Instagram@lasatafarm
Facebook@lasatafarm
www.lasatafarmllc.com
“Where Horses and Nature Guide the Healing and Learning”
| | Instructor Carla Ball and Meghan Cowan, Lasata Farm Founder | | |
Stajnia Rzęszyce
Located in the heart of Mazovia, within the buffer zone of Kampinos Forest, Stajnia Rzęszyce is a horse boarding facility beautifully set next to the forests of Kampinos National Park in Poland. With well-developed infrastructure, years of experience, and—most importantly—a deep passion and exceptional commitment, this stable offers a truly unique experience for all who visit. Their long-standing motto, "For the horse to feel the best," reflects their dedication to equine well-being.
Stajnia Rzęszyce has been a busy barn with Masterson Method courses. They have hosted us 17 times since 2020! Pretty impressive!
Stajnia Rzeszyce Facebook Page
| | Newly Certified Practitioners | | |
Need help for your horse? Find an Masterson Method Certified Practitioner (MMCP) near you. Our Certified Practitioners are dedicated equine professionals who have acquired highly attuned skills in partnering with the horse to release tension and increase range of motion, thereby restoring healthy posture and performance. Add an MMCP to your horse’s wellness team by visiting the Masterson Method Website to find the closest practitioner to you.
You will find New Practitioners listed here as well as a few who are updating their information. Let us know if you need help finding an MMCP in your area.
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Aleksandra Bojanowska, MMCP
Łódź, Poland
My path to becoming an MMCP started in 2019, when I bought a problematic horse. My attempts to solve his problems led me to the book Beyond Horse Massage and later to MM seminars. I have been working as a personal trainer and a massage therapist for humans, which is a perfect match to The Masterson Method® for horses.
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Anne Priest, MMCP
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Except for a couple trail rides as a teenager, Anne’s introduction to horses didn’t begin until her 30s, when she took a few riding lessons with the kids in preparation for a trail ride on a family vacation in Alberta. What started as a one-time adventure turned into a lifelong journey with horses.
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Carrie Owan, MMCP
Montague, California
Carrie’s adoration for horses began as a young girl during pony rides in Reseda, California. Over the years, horses have not only been one of her greatest loves, but also her teachers, revealing deep lessons about self. As a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner serving Siskiyou County and Southern Oregon, Carrie is dedicated to helping horses feel better in their bodies and building a bridge of trust through the modality’s gentle techniques.
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Deborah Bean, MMCP
Omaha, Nebraska
If you are looking through these pages, you are a horse lover, and want to do all you can to help them. I have seen first hand how the Masterson Method® does that. I was attending an Advanced Horse Academy class offered through the equine therapy barn where I volunteer. The Instructor showed us the Bladder Meridian and mentioned that even though she was not certified in the Masterson Method, she knew how well the technique worked.
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Dominika Švehlová, MMCP
Rychnov na Moravě, Czech Republic
Horses have been my guides since childhood. At first just platonic love and later as real romance or harsh reality of life. Hobby and livelihood.
I started with them in the riding club of secondary agricultural school in Opava (ŠS SZeŠ Opava), where we initially focused on western riding, but after the revolution show jumping and dressage riding prevailed here.
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Justyna Piekara , MMCP
Issy les Moulineaux, France
I have always had contact with horses from my youngest years. As a little girl without much experience but with a big heart for horses, I followed the practice of different coaches, putting their words on a pedestal. With age and accumulated experience gained in Poland, Switzerland, and France, I have seen more than I would like to.
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Kourtney Livingston, MMCP
Hillsburgh, Ontario, Canada
Kourtney Livingston is a skilled bodyworker on both horses and humans. She is the owner of Rooted Equine Bodywork and has dedicated her equine practice to using the Masterson Method®. She chose the Masterson Method for its gentle, hands on techniques that work with the horse to release tension while creating trust and a positive experience for the horse.
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Lonnie Beth O'Baugh, MMCP
Mount Sidney, Virginia
Horses have been a special part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was thrilled at the age of 13 to get my first horse, a 16-month-old Appendix we named “Candy”. Years later, as an adult living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, I’ve had plenty of trail riding adventures, arena play, and obstacle time. While I love caring for, playing with, and riding my horses, I especially enjoy developing a special relationship with each one.
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Tina Cormier, MMCP
Brunswick, Maine
Tina found the Masterson Method® back in early 2020, thanks to some desperation to help her horse and a lucky google search. At the time, she had a 3 year old quarter horse mare named Rosie who was built like a tank and whose body was tight and hard as iron – she could barely turn her neck, had difficulty bending through her ribcage, and couldn’t consistently engage her hindquarters.
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Weronika Szymaniak, MMCP
Poznan, Poland
Since I was a child, I felt a strong connection with nature and animals, especially horses. At the age of 17, I started volunteering at the Hippotherapy stable, later becoming a hippotherapist, simultaneously taking care of the horses from that stable. In the meantime I started studying animal science and welfare at Poznań University of Life Sciences, currently finishing the master degree in Hippology.
| | | Newly Certified Equine Specialists | | |
Our Certified Equine Specialists have worked through an abbreviated certification program designed to be accessible and relevant for equine-assisted services (EAS) professionals and volunteers. The MMES can volunteer to offer simple bodywork to EAS horses and/or partner with their EAS program to co-facilitate a new equine-assisted learning activity, such as the Bladder Meridian Technique, as a means for participants to “give back to the horse” while also creating connection.
Follow this link to search for Specialists in your area: MMES Map
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"If you want to improve or find your connection with your horse, this is the course for you. Simple, straight forward information with corresponding actions. Encourages you as the human to slow down & listen deeply to your equine partner."
Weekend Course Student Testimonial
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USA 2025 Courses
West
May 31-June 1 Penn Valley, CA
June 21-22 Victor, ID
August 2-3 Colorado Springs, CO
August 30-31 Portola Valley, CA
August 30-31 Kalispell, MT
September 6-7 Ceres, CA
September 6-7 Athol, ID
October 25-26 Sedalia, CO
November 8-9 San Miguel, CA
Southwest
October 11-12 Driftwood, TX
Midwest
May 24-25 Pequot Lakes, MN
June 7-8 Milo, IA
June 21-22 Elgin, IL
June 28-29 Rapid City, SD
September 13-14 Zeeland, MI
September 20-21 Upper Midwest
October 11-12 Milo, IA
November 1-2 Sebeka, MN
Northeast
May 31-June 1 Williamsport, PA
August 2-3 Nottingham, PA
September 27-28 Mannington Township, NJ
October 18-19 Freeville, NY
Southeast
May 17-18 Leesburg, VA
May 17-18 Ooltewah, TN
August 2-3 Stockbridge, GA
September 20-21 Cleveland, NC
September 20-21 Natural Bridge, VA
October 4-5 Youngsville, NC
October 11-12 Perryville, AR
Canada 2025 Courses
British Columbia
May 24-25 Kelowna, BC
October 25-26 Campbell River, BC
Alberta
June 21-22 Calgary, AB
Ontario
May 17-18 Fitzroy Harbour, ON
May 31-June 1 Mulmur, ON
June 15-16 Caledon East, ON
May 2-3, 2026 Fingal, ON
Quebec
August 23-24 Lac-Brome, QC
(in French)
August 31-September 1 St-Honoré-de-Chicoutimi, QC (in French)
September 6-7 Rouyn-Noranda, QC
(in French)
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European 2025 Courses
Austria
June 14-15 Graz, AT
(in German with English translation)
Czech Republic
July 12-13 Bílé Karpaty, CZ
(in Czech)
September 20-21 Bošilec, CZ
(in Czech)
Denmark
September 6-7 Hampen, DK
France
July 19-20 Sion-les-Mines, FR
(in French)
September 20-21 Orcemont, FR
(in French)
Germany
August 16-17 Egestorf, DE
(in German)
August 30-31 Fahrenbach-Robern, DE
(in German)
Netherlands
May 30-31 Oud Ade (Zuid-Holland), NL
(in Dutch)
July 5-6 Bedum, NL
(in Dutch)
September 27-28 Ouwerkerk, NL
(in Dutch)
October 18-19 Vorden, NL
(in Dutch)
Poland
June 14-15 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
September 13-14 Rzęszyce, PL
(in Polish)
Slovakia
May 17-18 Ratnovce, SK
(in Czech)
Spain
June 21-22 Garcia, ES
(in English with Spanish translation)
Switzerland
August 16-17 Weiningen, CH
(in German)
United Kingdom
(check back for upcoming courses)
Australia 2025 Courses
Australia
June 21-22 Gidgegannup, WA, AU
July 5-6 North Arm, QLD, AU
July 19-20 Bees Creek, NT, AU
July 30-August 1 Kureelpa, QLD, AU
August 16-17 Glenreagh, NSW, AU
August 30-31 Baddaginnie, VIC, AU
September 27-28 Arthurs Creek, VIC, AU
September 27-28 North Arm, QLD, AU
New Zealand
October 27-28 Christchurch, NZ
Africa 2025 Courses
South Africa
(check back for upcoming courses)
Asia 2025 Courses
Israel
May 22-23 Givat Shemesh, IL
(in English with Hebrew translation)
Japan
September 27-28 Hokkaido, JP
(in Japanese)
| | Advanced 5-Day Course Schedule | | |
"It was worth every penny."
Advanced 5-Day Course Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Advanced Courses
May 19-23 St. Charles, IL with Elizabeth Appleyard
June 2-6 Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
June 23-27 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
July 21-25 Pequot Lakes Area, MN with Becky Tenges
September 1-5 Ooltewah, TN with Kathy Tow
September 8-12 Elgin, IL with Elizabeth Appleyard
September 22-26 Watsonville, CA with Sandy Vreeburg
November 3-7 Austin, TX with Becky Tenges
November 3-7 Wake Forest, NC with Khrystynna Hunsinger
Canada 2025 Advanced Courses
May 26-30 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
August 18-22 Calgary, AB with Lori Hoppe
September 15-19 Langley, BC with Lori Hoppe
October 6-10 Sherbrooke, QC with Sylvie Vallières
(in French with English materials)
Australia & New Zealand 2025 Courses
October 13-17 Elimbah, QLD, AU with Vicky Devlin
European 2025 Advanced Courses
May 31-June 4 Egestorf, DE with Walter Saxe (in German)
June 11-15 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
June 18-22 Frickingen, DE with Silvia Hamm (in German)
July 7-11 Orcemont, FR with Caroline Hébert Bernard (in French)
August 25-29 Orcemont, FR with Caroline Hébert Bernard (in French)
September 8-12 Graz, AT with Vicky Devlin (in English with German translation)
September 16-20 Rzęszyce, PL with Beata Filonowicz (in Polish)
October 4-8 Egestorf, DE with Walter Saxe (in German)
October 8-12 Schalkhaar, NL with Masja Fick (in Dutch)
November 8-12 Aßlar-Oberlemp, DE with Silvia Hamm (in German)
UK 2025 Advanced Courses
July 28-August 1 Langford, Bedfordshire, UK with Vicky Devlin
| | Masterson Method Light to the Core Schedule | | |
"It’s an amazing technique that promotes trust and connection with your horse."
LTC Student Testimonial
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USA 2025 Courses
June 7-8 Santa Maria, CA
July 26-27 Seneca, SC
July 26-27 Freeville, NY
September 6-7 Rapid City, SD
October 4-5 Redmond, WA
October 11-12 Manton, CA
UK 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
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Canada 2025 Courses
May 24-25 Rockwood, ON
June 14-15 Fort St. John, BC
July 5-6 Green Valley, ON
July 19-20 Princeton, ON
September 20-21 Sherwood, AB
September 20-21 Sainte-Clotilde-de-Beauce, QC (in French)
October 18-19, Langley, BC
European 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
| | Masterson Method Equine Specialist Schedule | | |
"I would highly suggest taking this course if you are working with therapy horses to not only offer your students the opportunity to connect better with the horses, but to educate the volunteers on the importance of connection and reading the horse’s body language."
Equine Specialist Student Testimonial
USA 2025 Courses
May 16-18 Montrose, CO
June 20-22 Rancho Santa Fe, CA
September 19-21 Warwick, NY
Canada 2025 Courses
June 20-22 Sturgeon County, AB
European 2025 Courses
(check back for upcoming courses)
| | Masterson Method Collaborative Clinics | | Masterson Method Expos and Demos | | |
USA and European 2025 Expos & Demos
Jim's Expos and Demonstrations
June 6-8 Sacramento, CA Jim Masterson at Western States Horse Expo
October 31-November 2 Santa Fe, NM Jim Masterson at Best Horse Practices Summit
MMCP Equine Demonstrations
May 18 Augusta, NJ MM Demo with Diane Fitzgerald
May 31 New Lenox, IL MM Demo with Amy Kerrigan
June 1 Brownsburg, IN MM Demo with Amy Kerrigan
June 7 Stowe, VT MM Demo with Mylissa Davis
June 7 Kiowa, CO MM Demo with Laura Grant
June 14 Locust Grove, VA MM Demo with Jamie Sue Ramirez
June 14 Montrose, CO MM Demo with Kim Hollstein
June 29 Burgate, Hampshire, UK MM Demo with Willow Reavley
| | Masterson Method Canine Courses | | |
"I wish I had filmed Pixie before I took the Masterson Method Canine Read and Release Online Training Class because Pixie's movement before and after the class instruction is so amazing! To see her move more freely now brings me much joy. What a special way to give back to a longtime canine friend!"
Canine Course Student Testimonial
Read and Release 2025 Course Dates
Mondays at 6:00 pm CT June 23, 30, July 7 with Valissa Willwerth
Fridays at 11:00 am CT July 1, 8, 15 with Stef Watts
Fridays at 6:00 pm CT August 1, 8, 15 with Amelia Nalli
Introducing Movement 2025 Course Dates
Wednesdays at 11:00 am CT July 16, 23, 30 with Kalin Finsand
Mondays at 6:00 pm CT July 21, 28, August 4 with Valissa Willwerth
All courses are scheduled in Central Time Zone, occur on zoom, and last approximately 2 hours. If a course sold out, send a message to dog@mastersonmethod.com to add your name to the waiting list.
| | Masterson Method Office Info | |
THE MASTERSON METHOD®
641-472-1312
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