benefits of equine bodywork

Equine Massage and Integrated Equine Performance

Bodywork™ (Masterson Method)

How to improve your horse’s performance by releasing tension

Well Horses Perform Well!™

Every Horse is an Athlete

60% of the horse’s body weight is muscle The horse uses almost every muscle with

every step Some major key junctions in the horse’s

skeleton are only supported by soft tissue, not joints!


Relaxation Enables Performance

Muscle performance = relaxation and contraction

Tense, tight, sore muscles and soft tissues lack flexibility

Tense muscles cannot relax sufficiently Only relaxed muscles can function

optimally through relaxation and contraction!


The three key junctions of the horse

The poll The junction of neck

and shoulder The sacroiliac area


…that most affect performance

Releasing tension in these junctions (poll, neck/shoulder, sacroiliac) can have an immediate and positive effect on performance

Which horses can benefit?

Performance horses Hunter/jumper Dressage horses Endurance horses Trail horses Driving horses All horses with a job!


Most common signs of tension

Decline in performance Limited range of motion Stiffness to one side Not picking up a lead Lack of impulsion Not rounding, not stepping under And more


Bad behavior can mean muscle pain

Rearing Bucking, crow hopping Refusal to change gaits Throwing up head during gait changes Refusal to ride through corners Clasping bit with teeth Grinding teeth


Why does tension hurt?

Tension in muscles and soft tissues can be painful

Muscle spasms are always painful and restrict motion, causing secondary pain


Equine Massage and Bodywork

Is a gentle, non- invasive method to relieve tension

Can lead to improved performance in the healthy horse

Should be practiced by a certified, insured practitioner

Should be part of an overall wellness program


Note: Equine massage and bodywork is a wellness modality for healthy horses and does not replace veterinary care.

About Stefanie ReinholdStefanie is a certified equine massage practitioner and is

certified in Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™ (Masterson Method). With a background in training (FN trainer apprenticeship, Germany) she understands the demands and challenges that performance horses face. Stefanie lives and works in Madison, Wisconsin and is available for equine bodywork at barns and events and for Horse Wellness Seminars.


With members of the Madison Mounted at the Horse Wellness Seminar

<<With participants of equine massage case studies

<<Teaching the Masterson Method with Jim Masterson in Fairfield, IA

With Jim Masterson at the Equine Affaire in

Ohio, 09>>

Reinhold’s Horse Wellness

We thank you for stopping by and look forward to seeing

you again in the future!


benefits of equine bodywork

Health & Medicine