HELPING YOUR HORSE
Feel better.
Move better.
Be better.
Masterson Method® bodywork for happier, healthier horses in Central Virginia.
The Masterson Method® is a modality of equine body work that helps a horse release tension in soft tissue. We are releasing tension or torque in connective tissue that’s pulling on the skeleton and making it difficult for horses to be comfortable or do their job.
When conducting a bodywork session, visual cues or indications that the horse is processing is observed. Some may show up as sighing, softening of the eyes, breathing changes, lowering of the head. Much of the time what appears next are bigger responses such as licking and chewing, shifting weight on legs, yawning, stretching, and head/body shaking. These are indications that the horse has released the tension, enabling them to demonstrate an increased range of motion, improved performance and are more balanced emotionally.
To learn more, check out this podcast episode about the Masterson Method®
This podcast was created from articles in Horse and Hound and Performance Horse Digest.
The Masterson Method® is accredited and approved by a number of professional organizations, including:
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Organization
National Board of Certification for Animal, Acupressure and Massage
International Institute for Complementary Therapists
Meet Natalie
Natalie Conca is a Masterson Method®️ Equine Specialist (MMES), Certified Practitioner (MMCP), and Continuing Education Member (MMCE). She offers equine bodywork throughout Central Virginia.
Natalie holds a degree and national board certification as a Recreation Therapist (CTRS) through NCTRC, with 26 years of experience working with a large variety of special populations. Over the years she has acquired more than 15 specialty certifications, and held a former faculty role with the Aquatic Therapy & Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI). After working in clinical and community settings for a decade, she co-established Lead Changes Therapy Services, Inc., a private practice in Northern Virginia serving pediatrics and adults, for 18 years. She currently provides consulting/speaking services to a variety of organizations & universities.
For 15 years, she competed and taught hunter/jumper/IEA/trail lessons at Cavallo Farm in Leesburg, VA, and also served 15 years as a Registered and Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) at Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation, credentialed by PATH Intl. She also served terms as vice president and secretary of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV).
With over 40 years of horse ownership and riding experience, Natalie brings a joyful curiosity and deep love for equines in all settings. Her fascination with both horse and human anatomy fuels her passion for endless conversations about horses-especially the Masterson Method®️! Natalie lives in Richmond, VA with her husband, two sons, her retired jumper and German shepherd.
Here’s How it Works:
.01
Brief review of paperwork (simple info sheet & a waiver), brief discussion, palpations to meet the horse where they are at that day, whole body Masterson Method®️ bodywork techniques, notes & recommendations provided.
Appx 90-120min.
Initial Evaluation
.02
Brief update on the equine provided by owner/handler, palpations followed by Masterson Method®️ bodywork techniques including focus areas, notes & recommendations provided per request. The focus is to continue to release tension in previously identified areas and work through any new restrictions found.
Appx 60-90min.
Follow Up Sessions
.03
A learning opportunity! Book Natalie for a morning or afternoon & she will provide the group of participants & auditors with a whole horse demonstration including info on levels of touch, responses, & techniques followed by a supervised and assisted hands-on portion of 5-12 pairs of horse/human participants practicing MM basic techniques, & finally a Q & A.
Appx 4 hrs.
Demos
Masterson Method® Equine Bodywork Services
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$120 initial Masterson Method® evaluation, lasting 90 to 120 minutes.
$95 Masterson Method® session, lasting anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
$65 per participant/horse pair & $35 auditor for Interactive Masterson Method®️ Demonstration. Minimum 5 pair or more for a demo to be scheduled.
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Travel Fees at $.70/mi are initiated for appointments outside of 25 miles from Cloudveil Equine Bodywork LLC office in Midlothian, Virginia (round trip). Owners are welcome to split a travel cost with other participating clients at the same location that date.
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Check
Cash
Venmo: @CloudveilEB
PayPal: Natalie@CloudveilEB, Midlothian, VA USA
Zelle: Cloudveil Equine Bodywork, LLC at 703-943-0566
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Both Intake and Waiver forms must be completed prior to the start of the session. Owners are strongly encouraged to submit all paperwork before the start of the initial evaluation so that your horse’s session time isn’t spent on completing paperwork.
The intake form provides a better understanding of your horse’s current physical and emotional status and recent care as well as prior injuries and/or experiences. This information will help guide the session for best results. You can fill out this intake form when you schedule your appointment below.
The waiver can be signed here.
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If a session needs to be cancelled, please note there is a missed appointment fee for sessions canceled within 24hrs of scheduled time. Cloudveil EB will extend a one-time per client “freebie” as a courtesy.
Recommendations of frequency/timing of future follow up sessions for each horse will be made after the initial evaluation. Please note that this may change as the horse’s needs change.
Preparing for your Cloudveil EB session
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To maximize results in a session:
Please remove any feed/hay, etc. from the area. Water is fine.
Sessions should occur in a location where distractions are kept at a minimum. For example, the time of day when horses are being fed or brought in/out of the barn or hay is being delivered, etc. are significant distractions and may impede best results. Instead, opt for quiet times of day or reserve space at your facility and check to be sure minimal appts will occur during that time, if possible.
Plan to give them a few moments to adjust to the environment before the session takes place.
Some sessions take place outside. If so, please provide a source of protection from rain, snow, wind, heat etc. The environment needs be clean and flat to work in.
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Because the Masterson Method®️ works best when muscles are cool, it is best to avoid intense exercise the day of the session.
To make the most of our time together, please be sure your horse is reasonably clean and groomed beforehand so session time is spent on bodywork instead of getting excessive dirt off the coat/hooves.
*It is advised to give horses 24hrs off before resuming riding.
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Most of the time, owners don’t need to be present the entire session. There are instances when a handler is required.
If you would like to observe the session, please remember to be still and limit interactions with the horse as it can serve as a distraction from the focus and flow of the session.
Questions are encouraged! To limit distraction during sessions, however, please remember to ask them when during rest periods or afterwards.
To maximize the benefits of your horse’s Masterson Method®️ session, walking after each session followed by turnout is encouraged to help the horse’s body feel the changes that occurred during sessions and to continue releasing tension. If you are unable to do so, the last 10 minutes of your session will be spent hand walking.
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Masterson Method®️ bodywork is not a substitute for medications or medical treatments. As a bodyworker, I do not diagnose, treat or provide medical advice.
In Virginia, Owners are required to obtain their veterinarian’s approval of their horses’ participation in bodywork sessions and confirm via Cloudveil Equine Bodywork, LLC intake Form and waiver.
At times, Masterson Method®️ bodywork in conjunction with other modalities and/or medical treatments can maximize benefits. CEB is happy to collaborate with chiropractors, acupuncturists, veterinarians, and other professionals when deemed appropriate by all parties.
My Clients are Saying…
Get in Touch
Natalie Conca, MMCP, MMES, MMCE
Owner/Practitioner
Natalie@CloudveilEB.com
703-943-0566
Richmond, Virginia
Masterson Method® profile
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