Frequently Asked Questions
About Equine Bodywork & Equine Nirvana
About the Work
What is equine bodywork, and how is it different from massage or chiropractic?
Equine "bodywork" is a hands-on way of helping your horse release tension and restrictions throughout the body. Unlike general equine massage, which focuses mainly on muscles, bodywork also addresses restrictions that go deeper (both physically and mentally) . Unlike chiropractic, the techniques I do are all about working with the horse under their brace response, in the hopes that the releases in tension they have will hold longer and go deeper. But "bodywork" does not involve "adjustments" or to put more simply, popping of bones. Many horses benefit from using bodywork alongside massage, chiropractic, veterinary care, and training.
What is the Masterson Method®?
The Masterson Method® is a form of equine bodywork that works with the horse’s nervous system to release tension. Instead of forcing change, I use gentle techniques and follow the horse’s responses. This allows the horse to actively participate in the process, leading to deeper, lasting releases that improve comfort, movement, and overall well-being.
How does bodywork benefit my horse?
Bodywork can improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, support performance, and help your horse feel more comfortable in daily work or retirement. Many owners also notice their horses become calmer, more willing, and more balanced both under saddle and on the ground.
Sessions & Logistics
How should I prepare my horse for a session?
What happens during a typical session?
A session usually lasts 1–2 hours. I begin with a Palpation Evaluation to identify areas where your horse may be showing sensitivity or reactivity that day, and I take notes to track patterns over time. From there, I work systematically through the body using Masterson Method® techniques. These techniques not only help release the “fresh” tension your horse may be carrying, but also address deeper restrictions that may be contributing to those reactions. Each session is guided by your horse’s responses, ensuring the work is always done at their pace and comfort level.
A relatively clean (preferably no mud chunks), dry horse in a quiet space (stall, pasture, arena, wherever the horse feel's most comfortable) with a well-fitting halter is all that’s needed. Please try and avoid scheduling vet, farrier, or dental work right before or after just to get the most from the work and for the horse's comfort.
How often should my horse receive bodywork?
It depends on their age, workload, and individual needs. I find most horses benefit from sessions every 4–6 weeks, while others may just need occasional tune-ups.
Aftercare & Results
What should I expect after a session?
After a session, your horse may show signs of relaxation such as yawning, rolling, or even taking a nap. Some horses move more freely right away, with noticeable changes in their gait or stride after just one or two sessions, while others improve more gradually. Almost every owner I work with notices positive changes — whether it’s in their horse’s physical movement, emotional well-being, or both.
Can bodywork help with behavioral issues?
Yes — many times our horses’ behaviors are linked to physical discomfort in their bodies. They can’t communicate with words, but they do speak through their body language and behavior. Some horses are clearer in how they “tell” us, while others are more subtle — just like some people are more tuned in to reading them. Bodywork can help relieve the underlying restrictions that often show up as bucking, resistance, or head tossing. I also find that bodywork and soft touch techniques can help a chronically “upset” horse let go of stored emotions. That release often brings forward a horse that feels calmer, softer, and more at ease in themselves.
Is bodywork ever dangerous for my horse?
For the vast majority of horses, bodywork is very safe. The only horses I will not work on are pregnant mares, since that’s such a delicate and shifting time for both the mare and her foal. There may also be individual circumstances where I choose not to work on a horse, but those are case by case and always decided with the horse’s best interest in mind. The techniques I use are gentle and always guided by the horse’s responses. Because I work within the horse’s natural “brace” mechanism — never forcing them past what their body is ready to release — the risk of injury is virtually nonexistent. In short, if a horse is deemed fit to be worked on, the answer is no, bodywork is not dangerous.
Professional Boundaries
Are you a veterinarian?
No. I am a Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner (MMCP) with over 500 hours of professional training, but I do not diagnose or prescribe. My work complements veterinary care.
Will you communicate with my vet, farrier, or trainer?
Happily yes! — I keep detailed notes for each session, which can be shared with your horse’s care team if you wish.
Is bodywork safe for senior or injured horses?
Yes. The techniques I use are gentle and adaptive, which makes bodywork safe for horses of all ages and conditions — always within the limits of what their body can handle. For example, if a horse has an open but healing shoulder laceration, I would avoid any techniques that could aggravate that injury. Instead, I can use other approaches that don’t involve moving the limbs, allowing me to still support the rest of the body and address any new compensations or discomfort that come up during the healing process.
Pricing & Policies
How much does a session cost?
Each bodywork session is $100 and typically lasts 1–2 hours.
Do you charge a travel fee?
Travel within 1.5 hours of Lynchburg, Virginia is included. Outside this range, a small travel fee may apply.
Cancellation Policy
I understand that life with horses can be unpredictable, and sometimes things come up. Your first two same-day cancellations will be excused without charge. After that, a $75 fee will apply to any same-day cancellation. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are always fine, and true emergencies (such as illness, injury, or unsafe weather) are always exempt. This policy helps me reserve time for every horse and keep my schedule fair for all clients.
Weather Policy
For bodywork to be effective, both the horse and I need to be able to relax and stay comfortable — and that means working within reasonable weather conditions. I’m happy to work in cooler temperatures as long as the environment is around 38°F or warmer (for example, if your barn stays around 38°F in winter, that’s perfectly fine). However, I won’t work outdoors in freezing conditions — if it’s significantly below that with no shelter, the horse’s body won’t be able to truly relax, and the session won’t be near as beneficial.
I’m also happy to work in rain or hot weather (up to about 100°F) as long as there is shelter or shade available. If the conditions don’t allow for a safe, calm, and effective session, we’ll simply reschedule for a better day. The goal is always to make sure your horse gets the full benefit of the work.