PHONE: +8593391158
A weekend to slow down, tune in, and transform the way you connect—with yourself and with your horse.
You give so much to everyone else. But when’s the last time you paused to give something to yourself?
This retreat is designed for equestrians who want to deepen their self-awareness, unlock greater connection with their horses, and become the kind of partner a horse wants to follow.
Our horses feel everything.
They respond to our posture, our nervous system, and our energy—far more than to our techniques or cues.
This weekend is a chance to explore how presence, softness, and self-awareness can transform your relationship with your horse… and yourself.
You can attend Saturday or Sunday or both.
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $230
Min/Max Participants: 4/6
A day of deep awareness, energetic alignment, and embodied horsemanship.
8:30 – Opening Circle: We Are All Energy
Meet us in the air-conditioned comfort of the Wellness Center. Settle in, sip some coffee or tea, and meet your fellow mindful riders. We’ll introduce the weekend theme and explore how our inner state sets the tone for connection—with horses and with ourselves.
9:00 – Session 1: The Energy We Bring (Cathy Mattingly)
An abbreviated, eye-opening, science-informed look at the nervous system and co-regulation. Learn how your energy influences your horse’s experience—and how mindfulness starts within.
9:30 – Session 2: The Mindful Equestrian Yoga Class (Cathy Mattingly)
A grounding practice designed for equestrians of all levels. Stretch, breathe, listen to your body and discover new awareness in your hips, spine, core, and seat. No yoga experience required.
10:30 – Break
Talk to your new friends, relax under the trees, or journal in a quiet corner.
10:45 – Session 3: Horsempowerment: Energy in Action (Gillian Vallis)
Step into the arena for a guided experience with the Peace Ponies. Notice how horses respond to your presence, energy, and intention—no riding, no pressure, just powerful insight.
12:15 – Lunch
Lunch is not included in the price of the retreat. You can bring your own or place an order with us from a local favorite like Wallace Station or The Midway Bakery. Feel free to gather on the porch or sit on a bench under a tree.
12:45 – Session 4: Listening Differently: Introduction to Animal Communication (Jenny Salyers)
Led by intuitive equestrian Jenny, this session opens a window into what your horse may be trying to tell you. Learn how to tune in and listen—not just with your ears, but with your whole self.
1:45 – Break
Stretch your legs, sip some water, or jot down what’s rising.
2:00 – Session 5: In the Saddle Before Mounting Your Horse: Embodied Awareness with Harmony the Mechanical Horse (Shelbie Fredenhagan)
Explore how subtle shifts in your posture and seat affect the horse beneath you. This innovative session helps you identify and release tension and misalignment—so your horse doesn’t have to compensate.
After We Finish – Integration Time
Reflect, rest, or take a quiet walk around the farm. Let the day settle in.
What’s Included: All sessions, light refreshments, props, access to the indoor arena, air-conditioned workshop space, and walking trails.
Lunch Options: Order from Wallace Station / Midway Bakery or BYO. Fridge available (no microwave).
What to Bring:
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: $100 per 1-hour private session
Bring your own horse
Add-On to Saturday or Just Come Sunday
Private Lessons with Shelbie Fredenhagen (1 hour each)
Apply what you learned on Saturday to your riding.
Bring your horse, your new awareness, and an open heart. Each session will be tailored to the rider, integrating principles of mindful presence, softness, biomechanics, and energetic congruence.
8:00
9:15
10:30
11:30(More slots may open if needed.)
If you have question about Private Lessons, please contact Shelbie at bodhiequus@gmail.com.
Themes Reinforced Throughout the WeekendGillian Vallis is the owner of Pine Knoll Farm, founder of the Pine Knoll Center for Integrated Horsemanship, a lifelong equestrian, and a certified Reiki Master, metaphysician, and E3A Advanced Practitioner. With decades of experience in both classical horse training and holistic healing, Gillian is a visionary teacher and facilitator who helps horses and humans connect through energy, intention, and presence.
Cathy Mattingly is a writer, life coach and equestrian. She completed Yoga Teacher Training in 2023 and helps people reconnect with their bodies, breath, and inner wisdom—especially those recovering from trauma, burnout, or disconnection. Her work blends mindfulness, horsemanship, and personal storytelling to create space for gentle, lasting transformation.
Jenny Salyers is a state-certified professional animal communicator based in Versailles, KY. A lifelong horsewoman with decades of experience in the Thoroughbred industry, Jenny brings intuitive clarity and practical wisdom to every session. Certified in animal communication and the Akashic Records, she specializes in helping horses and their humans understand one another for mutual healing and harmony.
Shelbie Fredenhagen is a classical equitation trainer and clinician whose work honors both horse and rider through biomechanics, bodywork, and compassionate connection. She blends classical principles with integrative approaches to create thoughtful, customized training programs rooted in patience, feel, and the horse’s long-term well-being.
If you have questions, please contact us at clinics@pineknollfarm.com
Come as you are. You’ll leave with more clarity, calm, and confidence—both in and out of the saddle.
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