About Me

I am a Certified and Insured Equine Bodyworker and have obtained the following qualifications:​

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CERTIFICATIONS:

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• MMCP - Masterson Method® Certified Practitioner - Integrated Equine Performance Bodyworker

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• Certified Equine Massage Therapist (The School of Equine Massage and Rehabilitation Therapies)

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• Certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist (Dr. Angelique Barbara - Holistic Animal Studies)

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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

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• I am a Professional member in good standing with the IAAMB - International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork​

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• I am an Active Member in good standing with the AAETT - American Association of Equine Therapists and Technicians

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COMPLETED SHORT COURSES:

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• Equine Anatomy and Health Considerations - Avalon Performance

   

• Sport Horse Injury/Lameness Prevention & Care from the University of Guelph

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• The Masterson Method® Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork Home Study Course + Advanced Home Study Course

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• Horse Care and Welfare from the University of Guelph

   

• A member of the Balance Through Movement™️  Master Class​​

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• Healing Hands of Massage Equine Massage Therapy Course

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• Gillian Higgins Anatomy of the Horse - Course on The Equine Back

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• Geld Scar and Groin Release Class - Equine Tensegrity Balancing Therapy

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CLINICS

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• Nashon Cook Horsemanship Equine Rehabilitation Clinic, Ottawa 2024

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• Basics of Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport Horses with Dr. Audrey DeClue DVM, Ocala 2025

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• MMCP Meet up with Jim Masterson, Calgary 2025​

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.... And a I hold a Masters degree in (human) Psychology - B.A., M.Ed

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*I am always updating and upgrading my education.

Taking a new course, connecting with professionals in my field, and attending clinics.

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Stay tuned for what's next.... 

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Cristina's Bio

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Cristina’s equine bodywork journey began in 2020 but her life with horses began in 1984. Horses have been a part of Cristina’s life since she was 8 years old when she started riding lessons. She got her first horse when she was 10 years old and the barn became her home. Cristina was fortunate to grow up in Alberta, where horses are well renowned and the barn she grew up in, allowed her to engage in many different equine activities. She competed in the hunter and jumper A circuit in Western Canada, trained horses, and had a Connemara breeding program at home.

Life took Cristina away from full time horse ownership after completing her Masters degree in Psychology - B.A., M.Ed – she lived and worked in Mexico and The U.S.A. Cristina then married, moved to Ontario in Eastern Canada, and had 3 wonderful daughters. Now that they are older, she has refocused her attention on horses and her connection with these magnificent creatures has only deepened. As we know better, we do better! Cristina has had the privilege of introducing children to the joys of horse care and riding, is a horse (and pony) owner again, an adult amateur rider and a full-time equine bodyworker. She is grateful that these different aspects allow her to continue to nurture her bond with horses in different ways.

Cristina’s previous horse Gus, an OTTB with 4 years on the track, is the one who showed her the amazing benefits of massage and inspired her to become a Certified and insured - Equine Massage Therapist and Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist. Through her constant search for education, she found The Masterson Method® and became an MMCP. The Masterson Method® elevated her bodywork skills immensely and made her a much more proficient bodyworker. Her clients have followed her journey and enjoy the many added benefits the Masterson Method® has provided to their horses.

As a full-time equine bodyworker, she feels humbled to give back to these incredible animals, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of relaxation and tension release as they surrender to wonderful moments of calm with lowered heads, yawns, soft eyes, and gentle sighs. A testament to the profound benefits of The Masterson Method® elevating performance and accelerating recovery. The complex nature of horses means they often accumulate tension. Cristina works with owners to address tension-related issues in horses. When horses experience discomfort, compensatory mechanisms can create additional tension which can cause lameness. Through Masterson Method® Equine Bodywork, Cristina facilitates tension release, enhancing equine mobility and well-being. Her goal is to help horses move optimally, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance overall comfort. Cristina has learned so much more about horses through the Masterson Method® and is excited to continue her practice and learning as every horse has something new to teach us!