Horse Training
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Dealing With Your Horse’s Temper Tantrums
Horses, like children, can throw temper tantrums when they’re frustrated, confused, or testing boundaries. Bucking, rearing, or refusing cues often point to gaps in training and a lack of respect...
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9th Grade - Q & A
Struggling with a stiff or distracted horse under saddle? In this 9th Grade Q\&A session, horse trainer Michael Gascon shares practical tips for improving flexing in motion, softening resistance, and...
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7th Grade - Spirals
Struggling to get your hot or sensitive horse to walk calmly? In this post, Michael Gascon shares a powerful yet gentle technique called the spiral, designed to redirect your horse’s...
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Fifth-Grade Horse Training Q&A: Flexing, Groundwork, Tying, and Long-Lining
Flexing is more than a simple groundwork exercise—it helps create the steering wheel you need for safer, clearer communication with your horse. In this fifth-grade Q&A, you’ll learn how far...
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Benefits of Using a Solid Bridle on Your Gaited Horse
A solid bridle can help a properly prepared gaited horse develop more unified one-handed control and a steadier feel in the contact. Unlike a jointed snaffle, a solid mouthpiece provides...
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Finding Your Seat: How to Build Confidence in the Saddle
Finding your seat is the foundation of confident, clear communication in the saddle. A secure riding position helps you stay balanced when your horse stops, turns, spooks, or changes direction...
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Garrocha Pole Horseback Riding: Building Softness, Control, and Connection
Garrocha pole horseback riding is a traditional horsemanship exercise that helps develop softness, responsiveness, and one-handed control. By working around and alongside the pole, horses learn to stay relaxed while...
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How to Fit a Pad for a Western Saddle
A properly fitted Western saddle pad should lie flat, stay centered, and provide enough coverage without rubbing the horse’s withers or hips. The right pad can help create a more...
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The Thunderdome: Horse Desensitization Training for Real-World Confidence
The Thunderdome is a controlled horse training environment designed to prepare horses and riders for unexpected movement, distractions, and pressure. Through obstacle work, group riding, games, and changes of direction,...
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Tying a Horse to the Outside of a Trailer
Tying a horse to the outside of a trailer safely starts with choosing the right location, rope length, and knot. Your horse should already know how to stand tied before...
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Do’s and Don’ts of 10th Grade: Disengaging the Shoulders
Disengaging your horse’s shoulders is an important groundwork exercise that builds better control, communication, and responsiveness. The key is to maintain forward motion, keep a soft bend, and apply clear...
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Eighth Grade: Disengage Your Horse’s Hindquarters
Disengaging your horse’s hindquarters teaches them to move the hind end away from pressure while keeping their head connected to you. By starting with light cues, increasing pressure only as...
