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Working with horses through obstacle training can be both challenging and rewarding. In this 11th Grade Q&A session, Michael Gascon shares insights into push obstacles, overcoming fear, building confidence, and maintaining control when working with horses around tarps, soccer balls, and other training challenges.
Whether you’re dealing with a horse that leaps over tarps, refuses to push the ball, or gets spooked by things around their legs, these strategies will help you create a calm, obedient, and dependable partner.
What Are Push Obstacles?
Push obstacles are training tools designed to build confidence and trust between horse and rider. Common examples include:
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Tarps on the ground
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Soccer balls to push
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Pool noodles or dangling objects
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Bags or drag objects
The goal is not just to desensitize the horse, but to teach them how to stay soft, face their fear, and move forward under the rider’s guidance.
When a Horse Avoids the Ball
One common challenge is a horse that refuses to push a soccer ball. The solution isn’t force but redirection and consistency.
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Keep your horse’s feet moving.
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Always face the ball, no matter where they go.
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Circle around the ball if needed, but never let the horse turn tail to it.
👉 Key tip: Don’t add unnecessary pressure. Instead of kicking, whipping, or forcing, use steady redirection until your horse learns that facing the obstacle is the easiest option.
Handling Horses That Jump the Tarp
Some horses naturally want to leap over tarps instead of calmly walking across them. Michael suggests:
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Place the tarp along a fence line.
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Sit back, stay centered, and be ready to redirect.
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If the horse jumps, immediately face them back to the tarp.
This method prevents the horse from thinking that jumping or rushing is the answer. Instead, they learn that facing and calmly moving forward is the right response.
Why Redirecting Is Better Than Holding Back
Many riders make the mistake of pulling on the reins when a horse hesitates at an obstacle. This creates confusion and pressure that can lead to dangerous behaviors like bucking, bolting, or flipping over.
Instead, use a loose rein and redirection. Every time your horse tries to avoid, redirect and send them forward. This builds trust, eliminates confusion, and creates a softer, more responsive horse.
Building DIY Push Obstacles
You don’t need fancy equipment to work on obstacles. Start simple:
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Buy a 20-foot tarp from Walmart and cut it into strips.
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Use large, visible objects (bigger obstacles are actually easier for horses to approach).
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Experiment with soccer balls, pool noodles, or even homemade drag objects.
Remember: the bigger the obstacle, the easier it is for the horse to commit.
Calming a Horse That Gets Too Worked Up
If your horse gets overly anxious when approaching obstacles:
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Face up and release. Keep redirecting until the horse is consistently facing the obstacle.
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Don’t pull away. Taking the horse away from the obstacle rewards fear.
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Use spirals or circles. If your horse is still amped up, work them on spirals until they relax and soften on a loose rein.
Dealing With Horses Spooked by Objects Around Their Legs
Some horses tolerate most obstacles but panic at anything brushing against their legs. To fix this:
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Use a tarp or rope to gently touch your horse’s legs, butt, and sides.
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Keep the object in the same hand as the reins for better control.
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Don’t “ask permission” — confidently bring the object to your horse.
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Expect a reaction, redirect, and continue until the horse softens.
With repetition, your horse will stop overreacting to ropes, grass, vines, or dangling objects.
Establishing Leadership and Respect
One rider asked how to get her gelding to respect her instead of testing boundaries. Michael’s advice was clear:
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Don’t yield your space. If the horse steps into your bubble, move them out, not the other way around.
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Be consistent. Just like training kids or dogs, horses need firm, clear boundaries.
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Take control of territory. Whoever controls space is the leader, and your horse should see you as the decision-maker.
👉 Remember: Your horse is not a pet—it’s your partner. Treat them with fairness, but also expect obedience.
