An Equine Assisted Activity or Therapy (EAAT) is an experiential form of therapy that involves interaction between the patient and a horse. With the increase of EAAT in therapy sessions, clients with mental and behavioral issues are reaping the benefits of working with horses.
Benefit both the horse and the client
Bringing Masterson Method to an Equine Assisted Therapy Session. This bodywork’s gentle, tactile, horse-focused, intuitive, and interactive nature creates connection, communication, and caring.
EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
Making a Difference
WHY DOES THIS MATTER
When using Masterson Method techniques, understanding how horses respond to touch and pressure is important to be successful with bodywork. The techniques that are taught by a Masterson Method Equine Specialist may have additional benefits to the participating clients.
How Does It Work What To Expect
- As a Masterson Method Equine Specialist, I provide techniques to Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) programs in partnership with a mental health therapist.
- I will collaborate with a therapist to facilitate an Equine Assisted Therapy session.
- I am responsible for teaching and demonstrating the technique, then stepping back to allow the interaction to occur with the goal of keeping all participants safe.
- In the pre-session planning, I help identify the best equine partner for each client. During a session, I will provide early recognition of the responses of a horse during a session.
- I can also visit your location to teach staff, volunteers, and clients how to do Masterson Method techniques on your hard-working equine partners outside of a therapy session.
The Benefits Are Noticeable
- UNDERSTANDING: The experience will expand communication and connection.
- INTERACTION: Provides the opportunity to interact with the horse without requiring physical strength.
- OPPORTUNITY: Provides an opportunity for increased attunement between client & horse. The client must attune to self & horse’s responses; the horse must attune to self & client’s presence & pressure.
- HELPING THE HORSE: Opportunity to assist the horse in releasing physical tension.
- CONNECTED RELATIONSHIP: Both horse & client practice experiencing pressure & release in a connected relationship.
- BENEFITS: In addition to the predictable benefit to the horse, experience has shown us that this interaction may also benefit the client, either during or after the session.
What My Customers Are Saying . . .
Jini Berman
Kelly’s Equine Services is so very welcome to the Texas Hill Country. Our horses and their owners are being given an incredible gift! Kelly has worked with my gelding for over a year, and he knows and welcomes her presence because he knows, and I know, that when she leaves, our world will be better!…
Lesley Shedeck, Equine Manager R.O.C.K., Ride On Center for Kids
Kelly has been a welcome face at ROCK for many years! She started as a Volunteer and went on to be on our Conditioning Team to help with therapy’s physical and mental aspects. She has now done many Masterson Method sessions at ROCK with our Staff Volunteers and, recently, veterans. Kelly has the most patient…
Sharon Bradshaw
Kelly does bodywork on a regular basis on (Vegas/ my horse). She can give me insight into what is going on with him and what I can do to help him. I want him to feel good and be a happy athlete. Kelly’s compassion and continual thirst for knowledge amaze me!
Audris Griffith
Kelly’s work with my horse helps with his suppleness and release of tension in his poll and back. Her massage work makes my training rides more effective and yields a healthier, happier horse.
Reccia Jobe, Pecan Creek Ranch
The horses Kelly has worked with at Pecan Creek Ranch absolutely love her! We have also incorporated what she taught us about Bladder Meridian into our practice with clients. It offers a unique way for them to connect with their horses, often opening up new pathways for them to look at connection and relationships differently.
Rebecca Hubbard, Pecan Creek Ranch
Kelly has worked on my horses several times over the years. It is evident how much she cares about them. They always feel so much better physically and mentally after she works on them. I think it says volumes that they recognize her when she comes, even if it has been a long time. I…