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"The Middle Way becomes on it's deepest levels an attitude that seeks to find the delicate,
infinitely subtle point of absolute equilibrium between all extremes and polarities."
- - from "Many People, Many Faiths" by Robert S. Ellwood, Jr.
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Darkly Dangerous
(aka Snortli)
NMAWHC Year End Champion Stallion
(photo by Terri Petterson)
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"From Beginning to Zen"
The Middle Way is the median where all disciplines overlap, the source from which they originate. It is the center point from which the trends swing. The Middle Way is where Saddleseat meets Western meets Dressage meets Hunter meets Natural Horsemanship. This invokes balance, centering and grounding of both the horse and rider. The techniques and methods utilized by practitioners of the Middle Way are hallmarked by respect and affection for the horse. An essential component of this method is understanding the biomechanics of the horse.
Karen Sholten Maas, of Traverse City, Michigan, USA, is a full-time judge, trainer, instructor, and equine bodywork practitioner. She has been working in the horse industry since 1976, and has judging credentials for a wide variety of national breed organizations. In addition to breed shows, she also judges draft horses, hunters, dressage and 4-H events. Karen is an Approved Test Administrator for the Classical Dressage Riders Association to Level Six. Her diverse experience has lead to a client base that includes working with Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Paso Finos, Arabians, Appaloosas, Norwegian Fjord Horses, Warmbloods, and Quarter Horses.
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K. Maas and Classic Cadence
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Integrated Equine Bodywork Therapy
A synthesis of traditional massage technique, passive and active stretching, the principals of equine osteopathy and the healing energies of Reiki are coupled with structured exercise to promote a more comfortable, balanced athlete and as an aid to the healing of injuries.
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Classic Bar Frosty
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Judging Services: Karen S. Maas, Horsemaster
Karen has worked to develop and maintain judging credentials for a variety of breeds in which she has a particular fondness and special interest. Her goal is to always improve her knowledge and understanding, and to share that with the breeders and owners of the horses she judges or works with. She also strives to have a positive impact on the standards by which breeding and performance stock is selected, within the traditions of those breeds. Her commitment to excellence in all areas of breeding, horsemanship and horse husbandry make her an asset to the entire horse community.
Carded with: ABRA, AMHA, NFHR, POAC, PtHA, USEF, CDRA, Dressage, Draft, Driving, certified 4-H judge for MI, IL, and IN.
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This site is updated regularly. Please come back for more expanded information, additional services and events.
If you would like more information now, please email: Middle Way Equine Services. Thank You!
copyright 2010 | updated 7/19/10
this site created by Cyndy Shaw, graphic designer cptshaw@freeway.net
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PHOTO CREDITS:
Banner at top of page (left to right): K. Maas and Son of a Dun (aka Bobby), 1989 NMAWHC Year End Champion Working Hunter Over Fences.
K. Maas and Classic Cadence (aka CeeCee); 1996 Grand Champion Mare, ABRA Congress Warm-Up under both judges.
K. Maas and Cimmarron, 1985 LSAAM High Point Tennessee Walking Horse.
K. Maas and Son of a Dun (aka Bobby), NMES High Score Dressage Champion (photo by M. Kaiser).
Dawn Schwartzfisher Bickham and Vin Reisling, winner of the Buckeye Morgan Challenge Saddleseat Equitation (photo by Linda Quillen Wollaber)
K. Maas and Son of a Dun (aka Bobby), NMAWHC Year End Champion Hunt Seat Equitation and Hunt Seat Pleasure.
K. Maas and Classic Bar Frosty (aka Buddy), 1998 MBHA Futurity Reserve Champion Stallion.
Dawn Schwartzfisher Bickham and Woodvalley Signature, winner of the Buckeye Morgan Challenge Classic Pleasure Driving (photo by Linda Quillen Wollaber)
Banner at bottom of page (left to right): Spinner on Scottie, Rads Luna and Annedahl, Charlotte Lefdal and her New Forest Pony Rosa, Gandolf and Luna.

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