No. You need to call your veterinarian.

The Masterson Method is intended to enhance the performance of healthy horses. It is not a substitute for any type of veterinary treatment. If you are in doubt, check with your veterinarian first! I will not work on a horse that is running a temperature, has an infectious disease, or has an injury that requires veterinary attention (signs of this include heat, swelling, bleeding, limping, etc.) I require veterinary clearance to work on horses if: a mare is pregnant. a horse is on stall rest. a horse is having an allergic reaction or experiencing hives. While light touch and gentle bodywork may be beneficial; it can, however, exasperate the situation. If a horse has ever fractured a bone, no matter how long ago. If you have any questions regarding your horse's health or soundness, your veterinarian is always your first line of defense. I am very happy to work with your veterinarian to develop a plan that is most appropriate for your horse.

Not at all. Masterson Method compliments other modalities of bodywork.

For your horse to receive the most benefits from the bodywork sessions, appointments need to be consistent. How consistent depends upon a few factors: How intense are your riding/training sessions? Most horses do extremely well with monthly bodywork. As the owner, what can you realistically afford? We all want to do the best for our horses, and it is easy to feel guilty when we don't have the ability to provide the best. Bodywork, like supplements, should not break your budget! This is part of why I am always happy to show owners techniques that will help their horse's specific problem areas. If your budget only allows for bodywork every 6-8 weeks, that is perfectly fine. Consistency is the key!

Yes, I work on all types of equines. Most people own horses or ponies, but if you happen to own a mule or donkey, I absolutely love working on them as well.

Yes. But when you are scheduling, keep in mind the fact that your horse will receive the most benefit if you have me work on your horse when the barn is relatively quiet.

I am more than happy to assist a horse that I have worked on before at various shows and events. Please let me know well in advance what you are planning on so that we coordinate our calendars and create an optimum bodywork schedule for your horse before, during, or after the event.

I can work around sheets/blankets. What I end up doing is folding the sheet/blanket back in sections and then covering the areas up again as I move to different areas of the horse. This ensures your horse does not lose too much body heat and become uncomfortable during the session.

It's highly preferable for your horse to be basically clean. I realize horses are masters at finding mud puddles to roll in when it is most inconvenient for you. If the weather permits, feel free to hose the mud off. Otherwise, do what you can without stressing over the situation.