August 8 -9, 2026 | Paquetville, NBWeekend Seminar
Light to the Core
Are you interested in profoundly affecting the deepest interconnections of the horse’s body? Would you like to delve deeper into the light-touch techniques taught in Jim Masterson’s Light to the Core video?
The principle of staying under the bracing response of the horse is the foundation of Masterson Method bodywork. Light to the Core is the subtlest demonstration of this.
This course is for any horse owner or handler; no knowledge of anatomy is required and you will not be picking up the horse’s legs. Light to the Core is also suitable and beneficial for students on up to the most experienced practitioners of The Masterson Method.
What to Expect
Light to the Core Course August 8-9, 2026 with Sylvie Vallières
Location:
Les écuries NaMiKa Inc.
828, rue Centenaire
Paquetville, NB E8R 0A3
Canada
Taught in French & English
If you have questions regarding this course, please contact :
This course focuses on gentle and deliberate techniques that address the intricate interconnections within the horse’s body, allowing the horse’s nervous system to relax and respond naturally. Precision and mindfulness in touch are emphasized. By focusing on subtlety and detail, these techniques create profound shifts in the horse’s physical and emotional state. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Day 1
Course begins at 9am with a discussion of the principles of The Masterson Method®:
The horse’s survival-bracing response.
How to use different levels of touch, and the horse’s responses to by-pass the bracing response.
Use of movement and positioning to allow a muscle or junction to release tension.
Key junctions of the body that most affect performance.
How the subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle process of release works.
Techniques covered on Day 1 focus on the light-touch Search-Response-Stay-Release techniques throughout the body, covering the key junctions that most affect performance. Techniques are first demonstrated, then students practice on horses with individual hands-on help from the Instructor, and then we re-group to ask/answer questions and review/discuss the results of the technique. We break for lunch and have short morning and afternoon breaks.
At the end of Day 1, the Instructor will provide a whole-horse demonstration, blending in some of the Light to the Core techniques taught in this course.
Day 2
We follow the same learning format as on Day 1, with an emphasis on the subtle movement techniques, and completing a whole-horse session. Techniques are first demonstrated, then students practice on horses with individual hands-on help from the Instructor, and then we re-group to ask/answer questions and review/discuss the results of the technique. We break for lunch and have short morning and afternoon breaks.
On Day 2, students will also learn how to assess what techniques are best suited to any given horse, and then do a whole-horse session, practicing select techniques based on their assessment of what that particular horse needs. This way, the student will review and practice a full bodywork session on a horse prior to going home.
Light to the Core Course Prerequisite
The prerequisite for this course is to view the Light to the Core video and to try out some of the techniques prior to attending. If you do not currently have this video (DVD or streaming option), you can add it to your cart when you register for the Light to the Core Course.
Note that students will not be working on their own horse during this course, even if their horse lives at the host barn. However, you’ll be able to apply all that you’ve learned to your own horse afterwards!
