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EP 20 // Horse Bodywork for Riders: 4 Easy Steps with Masterson and DORN Method to Spot Tension Early
Episode 20: Masterson & DORN Method Explained: 4 Gentle Bodywork Steps to Understand Your Horse’s Tension
In this episode, we explore how small changes in your horse’s behaviour, bend, rhythm, or reactions during grooming can reveal early signs of tension. You’ll learn how the Masterson Method and the DORN Method work together as gentle, non-invasive approaches to help the horse release muscular tightness and improve joint alignment. I walk you through four simple steps you can use from the ground to observe your horse more clearly, understand where tension may be hiding, and support your horse’s comfort before you ride. These techniques build awareness, prevent frustration, and deepen your partnership through calm, mindful observation.
Key Takeaways
• Notice subtle behaviour changes during grooming or saddling.
• Understand how Masterson releases tension by engaging the nervous system.
• Learn how DORN supports gentle joint alignment through movement.
• Use a detailed ground-position test to spot where tension is held.
• Check neck and shoulder symmetry with soft hands.
• Re-test to observe even small shifts in stride, rhythm, and willingness.
• Remember: you are observing patterns, not diagnosing or treating.
• Small releases can create big changes in the way your horse moves.
This Week’s Exercise
Goal: Improve your awareness of your horse’s comfort before riding.
Steps:
Perform the ground-position test in walk or trot and note where your horse hesitates.
Run the soft topline check and pause at any tension points.
Check neck and shoulder symmetry with both hands, then re-test the circle.
Write down one or two changes you observed.
Feel-checks:
• Feel-check: Notice if the stride becomes softer or longer for 5–6 steps.
• Feel-check: Observe if the breathing deepens or your horse blinks more when releasing.
• Feel-check: Sense whether the bend improves slightly on the difficult rein.
Quote
“Every small release tells a story about where your horse is holding tension—and how you can help.”
Resources / Links
• Join the private HRHH Facebook community to connect with likeminded riders and to keep up with upcoming tips.
• Contact for questions or 1:1 guidance: Send a DM or an email: dyrlaegesarahthor.
Call to Action
• Try 1–2 steps before your next ride and note what changed.
• Share your observations with us in the HRHH Facebook community.
• Reach out for personalised help if you feel stuck.
• If this episode supported you, please leave a 5-star written review.
Learn 4 gentle Masterson & DORN Method steps to spot tension early, improve your horse’s comfort, and deepen your partnership.
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By Sarah Martine - Veterinarian, dressage rider coachEpisode 20: Masterson & DORN Method Explained: 4 Gentle Bodywork Steps to Understand Your Horse’s Tension
In this episode, we explore how small changes in your horse’s behaviour, bend, rhythm, or reactions during grooming can reveal early signs of tension. You’ll learn how the Masterson Method and the DORN Method work together as gentle, non-invasive approaches to help the horse release muscular tightness and improve joint alignment. I walk you through four simple steps you can use from the ground to observe your horse more clearly, understand where tension may be hiding, and support your horse’s comfort before you ride. These techniques build awareness, prevent frustration, and deepen your partnership through calm, mindful observation.
Key Takeaways
• Notice subtle behaviour changes during grooming or saddling.
• Understand how Masterson releases tension by engaging the nervous system.
• Learn how DORN supports gentle joint alignment through movement.
• Use a detailed ground-position test to spot where tension is held.
• Check neck and shoulder symmetry with soft hands.
• Re-test to observe even small shifts in stride, rhythm, and willingness.
• Remember: you are observing patterns, not diagnosing or treating.
• Small releases can create big changes in the way your horse moves.
This Week’s Exercise
Goal: Improve your awareness of your horse’s comfort before riding.
Steps:
Perform the ground-position test in walk or trot and note where your horse hesitates.
Run the soft topline check and pause at any tension points.
Check neck and shoulder symmetry with both hands, then re-test the circle.
Write down one or two changes you observed.
Feel-checks:
• Feel-check: Notice if the stride becomes softer or longer for 5–6 steps.
• Feel-check: Observe if the breathing deepens or your horse blinks more when releasing.
• Feel-check: Sense whether the bend improves slightly on the difficult rein.
Quote
“Every small release tells a story about where your horse is holding tension—and how you can help.”
Resources / Links
• Join the private HRHH Facebook community to connect with likeminded riders and to keep up with upcoming tips.
• Contact for questions or 1:1 guidance: Send a DM or an email: dyrlaegesarahthor.
Call to Action
• Try 1–2 steps before your next ride and note what changed.
• Share your observations with us in the HRHH Facebook community.
• Reach out for personalised help if you feel stuck.
• If this episode supported you, please leave a 5-star written review.
Learn 4 gentle Masterson & DORN Method steps to spot tension early, improve your horse’s comfort, and deepen your partnership.