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Training a horse to navigate obstacles isn’t just about crossing tarps, bridges, or water—it’s about teaching them to trust you, stay soft in the bridle, and give you control of the “steering wheel.” In this 11th Grade Push Obstacles clinic, Michael Gascon, The Horse Guru, explains how to prepare your horse for obstacles, why steering is the foundation, and the keys to riding with confidence and balance.
Why Steering Control Comes First
Before a horse can be successful with obstacles, they must have softness and steering. Phoenix, the horse featured in this clinic, had been under saddle but only at the walk. Anytime pressure was applied to his face, he would stop and resist forward motion.
On the second day of training, Michael focused on getting Phoenix soft, responsive, and moving forward at the walk, trot, and canter. With his headset lowered and steering under control, Phoenix was ready to start obstacle work.
Key Takeaway:
👉 If your horse doesn’t give left and right consistently, don’t move on to obstacles. Steering is the foundation of safety and control.
What Counts as an Obstacle?
Many riders think obstacles are just bridges, tarps, or water crossings. But in reality, anything your horse perceives as scary is an obstacle. This could be:
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Walking from grass onto concrete
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A patch of wet ground
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A shadow across the trail
If your horse doesn’t respect your steering and lacks confidence, even small changes in the environment can create big problems.
The Rider’s Position: Sit Back and Stay Balanced
One of the biggest mistakes riders make is leaning forward when a horse hesitates at an obstacle. Michael emphasizes:
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Heels down, shoulders back → keeps you balanced.
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Eyes up → look where you want to go, not at the scary object.
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Stay in your “command post” → never leave the saddle to pull on the reins.
When riders lean forward and grip too tightly, they actually encourage the horse to dodge left or right, often leading to falls. Staying centered and confident gives the horse no choice but to face the obstacle.
The Push Obstacle Technique
When Phoenix tried to avoid a tarp, Michael used a push obstacle approach:
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Sit back and stay balanced.
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Keep a loose rein until the horse makes a move to avoid the obstacle.
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Correct with one rein at a time – disengage the hindquarters by pulling left or right.
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Redirect the horse back toward the obstacle instead of turning away.
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Never reset or turn around. Always face the obstacle until the horse moves through it.
👉 Pro Tip: The bigger the obstacle, the easier it is, because you have more space to redirect the horse.
Why Never Turn Away From the Obstacle
Many riders make the mistake of circling around to “try again.” But this actually teaches the horse that avoidance is an option. Instead:
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Always face their fear head-on.
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Let the horse stop and think, but keep them pointed at the obstacle.
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If they try to bolt, you can safely redirect with one rein control.
This builds a horse that learns to pause and evaluate instead of spooking or bolting—like a hunting dog that points out danger.
Building a Confident, Forgiving Horse
Michael warns against waiting 90 days before introducing obstacles. Horses trained only in controlled arenas become “sketchy” when they finally face the unexpected. By introducing push obstacles early, you create a horse that:
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Handles pressure calmly
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Faces challenges without panic
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Learns to trust their rider’s direction
After only two days, Phoenix showed major progress because obstacles were introduced as soon as steering control was established.
Final Tips for Success with Push Obstacles
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Sit back and keep your heels forward.
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Stay on a loose rein and use one rein at a time for corrections.
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Never turn around or reset—always face the obstacle.
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Stay in your command post for maximum balance and control.
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Remember: the horse doesn’t need to know how to do the obstacle. They just need to give left and right.
Conclusion: Building Trust Through Pressure
Push obstacles aren’t about scaring your horse—they’re about teaching them to handle pressure, build trust, and stay connected to their rider. By keeping your body balanced, using one rein control, and never turning away from the challenge, you help your horse become braver and more dependable both in the arena and out on the trail.
