Equine Massage and
Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork™, The Masterson Method™
"My 8 year old mare (Image) has had lameness problems off and on since a bad pasture accident when she was 4. Massage and chiropractic have always helped in the short term, but she continued to relapse for no apparent reason. Since working with you and the Masterson Method over the last 6 months she has only continued to move more freely. In just 4 sessions we are finally correcting the roots of her condition rather than just making some muscles better. I am able to work with some of the techniques between sessions too. The whole system is physiologically and energetically sound and is doing wonders for Image. I am grateful more than I can tell you." Shirley J. Dawson MD, PhD
<< Image, Photo Art © by Rod Melotte
"I purchased my Arabian gelding, Remington, as a 5-year-old in July 2008 and it quickly became apparent that he was displaying an almost dual personality. He would have days when he would be somewhat tractable and others when he seemed to challenge everything I requested of him. He was girthy, refused to take the canter cue and would quite often even break into a sort of temper tantrum complete with very agile and frightening bucking episodes. This irritable behavior gradually became increasingly intense and increased in frequency until he began to display his bucking theatrics even during simple ground work. 
I was at my wit’s end with what to do and I began to consider selling him as it seemed he just had a sour personality although I didn’t think he would be very marketable. It finally occurred to me that he might be reacting to pain and discomfort and being of a particularly sensitive breed, he was letting me know the only way he knew how.
Launched by this theory, I embarked on a mission to overcome this obstacle. I had Remy Chiropracted and discovered some definite issues there. I began to research horse massage methods and discovered The Masterson Method of horse massage and was delighted to discover a practitioner in my area, Stefanie Reinhold.
When Stefanie arrived for Remy’s first treatment, he had previously received two rounds of Chiropractic treatments but was still having muscle spasms and even had very tender areas that made him flinch at the touch. Remy was tentative at first with this new “manhandling” but Stefanie’s quiet calming presence settled him down in short order and he became relaxed and completely at ease. At the second treatment a month later, Remy remembered Stefanie and nearly crawled into her lap. After the initial treatment we noticed some very definite and encouraging improvement and by the third treatment, 3 months later I can honestly say that I have a new horse! Stefanie’s treatments have changed my very tense, agitated horse into a calm, steady and trusting horse, have helped dissipate some of the muscle wastage on Remy’s right shoulder (still working on that) and have even enabled Remy to carry his tail in the center rather than off to one side as he had been. Remy is now a pleasure to ride, has a willing attitude, is less girthy, never bucks and takes both canter lead cues willingly. I have grown quite fond of him now and cannot believe that a short while ago I had contemplated selling him. Even my fellow barn mates are amazed at his transformation.
I highly recommend Stefanie as an adjunct to healthy, natural horsekeeping. I personally think that all horses can benefit from Stefanie’s expertise in the Masterson Method but I would especially urge anyone who has a horse with behavior and/or physiological issues to have Stefanie give their horse a chance for a new lease on life. Like me, you may even get a new horse in the process."
Photo of Remington ©Mary Carlson
Mary Carlson
Verona, WI
 "You sure did something to those horses... [after the first bodywork session] they moved as they had not done in 5 or 6 years. Lady and Nelly were fresh and willing to work and I thought it was the Kentucky Derby! ... They have to work the grain thresher and we threshed more grain this year than we did in a long time..."
Brian Zaeske
(talking about the two senior draft horses that work the farms at
Old World Wisconsin)
Historic Farmer at Old World Wisconsin, Eagle, WI
 “My trainer (actually riding instructor) was amazed how well Clancy moved after receiving a combination of your massage and some changes in balancing the hoof trim to the body. She stated that she had never seen him as relaxed and free in his shoulders in the 4 years she has known him.”
Equine Massage and Bodywork client 3/09
“Stefanie has done massage and bodywork on Dan over the last six months. He seems to really enjoy the experience and is very relaxed by the end of the session. She is very kind and gentle with him and always takes her time. I've also notice a difference in his movement when I ride after these sessions - he is much freer in his neck, which is his problem area, and throughout his body…”
Equine Massage and Bodywork client 3/09
“Thanks for the massage today - Mason is happy as a clam today! I appreciate all you've done to make this his best winter!”
Equine Massage and Bodywork client 2/09
'Lizzy seemed to have some sore spots on her back as noted by a friend and she has bucking issues....I have a 19 year old former 4Her who was riding Lizzy and she felt that Lizzy was more balanced, especially at the canter. She did not know about Lizzy's massage. ...I was incredibly impressed with you and the work that you do...will not hesitate to use you in the future."
Equine Massage and Bodywork client 08/08
Horse Wellness Seminar - Testimonials
“I highly recommend this clinic. It was like reading the operator's manual for a horse. By learning how my horse's skeleton and muscles work, I now understand how I can positively impact my horse's health and performance through massage and gymnastic techniques. After just a couple of weeks, I am already seeing the benefits of this training.”
Participant in the Horse Wellness Seminar for the Madison Mounted Patrol 3/09 
“I would recommend this class, I think it's a great way to communicate with your horse and offer something to him without asking for something back. I learned a lot about how my horse feels in his body that I didn't realize before and I think it will help keep him more comfortable and help him to build strength to withstand the rigors of duty work.”
Participant in the Horse Wellness Seminar for the Madison Mounted Patrol 3/09
“I learned a great deal from your presentations. … It takes the need for rider awareness and respect to a whole new level if we are going to maintain the integrity of the back and allow the horse to move as he was intended. ”
Participant in the Horse Wellness Seminar for the Madison Mounted Patrol 3/09
“Everyone should have knowledge of how a rider can impact their horses back health. One should also know how a horse’s back is the gateway to overall health, and simple massage and gymnastics can help improve their well-being. This seminar has given me the tools to help start my horse on the road to a long career! Thank you!”
Participant in the Horse Wellness Seminar for the Madison Mounted Patrol 3/09
*) Please note: Equine massage and bodywork is a non-invasive, gentle wellness modality aimed at enhancing performance in the healthy horse and never replaces proper veterinary care. If in doubt regarding the physical health of your horse please consult your veterinarian.
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