Conscious Contact Retreat & Horsework Curriculum
June 27-29
Elmwood Place Pilates - Palestine, Texas
The Pilates Cowgirl
Conscious Contact fosters trust, leadership, and presence—with horses and with people. In the Pilates Cowgirl method, it replaces the traditional 'Join-Up' technique. Through non-verbal communication and co-regulation, participants learn calm leadership, which translates into group class instruction.
About the Method
The Pilates Cowgirl™ method is not about being country — it’s about being conscious. It’s about reclaiming the body as a source of wisdom, leadership, and intuitive power. This approach blends classical Pilates, somatic awareness, and equine-integrated learning to create instructors who lead with presence and confidence.
At the heart of the method is Conscious Contact™ — a practice that teaches instructors to build trust, hold space, and guide others without force. Just like with horses, Pilates clients respond to clarity, calm, and embodied leadership. This method helps teachers access that level of connection through breath, movement, and stillness.
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Conscious Contact is the heart of the Pilates Cowgirl method. It is the embodied experience of earning trust, not demanding it. We establish Conscious Contact by entering the arena calmly, with clarity, and asking for permission to connect—just as we would with a horse. Horses, as prey animals, are hyper-attuned to intention, energy, and posture. If you're holding tension, they know. If you're grounded, they’ll draw near.
In this practice, participants learn how to lead without force and be seen without hiding. Conscious Contact isn’t about dominance. It’s about becoming someone a horse—or a client—wants to follow. The same principles apply in a Pilates class. As an instructor, you must establish presence, create emotional safety, and project quiet confidence. This method helps new instructors find their voice, earn respect, and foster loyalty.
Conscious Contact trains your nervous system. It teaches you to regulate your breath, slow your movements, and read subtle cues. The horse gives you immediate feedback—and from there, the work begins.The Relevance of the Book of Ruth
The Book of Ruth symbolizes the spirit of Conscious Contact: loyalty, trust, and grounded presence. Ruth demonstrates servant leadership by choosing to stay, to serve, and to lead by example, not by force. Her story mirrors the retreat experience where trust, patience, and consistent energy build authentic connection with both horses and people.
Why “The Pilates Cowgirl™”?
Cowgirl doesn’t mean country. It means **centered under pressure. Calm in chaos. Quick to sense, slow to dominate.**
The cowgirl archetype reflects the qualities needed to lead a room, hold emotional space, and respond with intuition instead of reaction. She’s not afraid of hard work — but she also knows when to rest, when to pull back, and when to stand firm.
As The Pilates Cowgirl, Melody helps instructors develop not just technical skill but **nervous system mastery** and **authentic voice**. This brand is for women who ride for truth. Who want to teach with meaning. And who are ready to step fully into their power — boots optional.
What to Bring & Where to Stay
What to Bring:
Notebook
Flip-flops, bathing suit, sunscreen
Hiking boots, cowboy boots, or running shoes
Jeans (optional)
Carrots for horses, snacks, bottled water
Pilates clothes and grip socks
Bug spray
Berkey filtered water systems are provided in the Schoolhouse and Pilates Studio. Guests may bring personal water if preferred.
Accommodations:
The Schoolhouse: 4 bunk beds (shared room)
Pilates Studio Loft Cabin: 2 twin beds upstairs
GiGi Cabin: 2 twin beds upstairs, 1 queen bed downstairs
Required Reading List:
The Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov
The Man Who Listens to Horses by Monty Roberts
Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates
The Book of Ruth (from the Bible)
Retreat Daily Schedule
Friday
2:00–4:00 PM – Arrival and Check-in
6:30–7:00 PM – Hors d’oeuvres Hour
7:00–8:00 PM – Dinner
8:00–10:00 PM – Fire Pit, or Pool & Sauna
Saturday
6:30–7:30 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Pilates Mat Session
9:00–10:00 AM – Horse Ground Rules & Safety
10:00 AM – Conscious Contact with Horses
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00–4:00 PM – Pilates Studio: Mock Class
4:00–6:30 PM – Free Time
6:30–7:00 PM – Hors d’oeuvres Hour
7:00–8:00 PM – Dinner
8:00–10:00 PM – Fire Pit, or Pool & Sauna
Sunday
6:30–7:30 AM – Breakfast
8:00 AM – Pilates Mat Session
9:00–10:00 AM – Horse Ground Rules & Safety
10:00 AM – Conscious Contact with Horses
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00–4:00 PM – Departures
Pricing & Perks
Pricing:
Full Weekend Retreat: $895
Included:
All meals: Friday dinner to Sunday lunch
Two group Pilates sessions
Two Conscious Contact groundwork sessions
Guided journaling and fireside chats
Access to pool and hiking trails
20% discount on Pilates Cowgirl gear
Pilates Cowgirl Reflection Journal
Add-On Sessions:
One-on-One Conscious Contact with a Horse: $150
Private Pilates Session: $150
