Watch the Video Here or continue reading below!
At the Equine Affaire Clinic – Overcoming Obstacles, horse trainer Michael Gascon shared practical strategies for building respect, gaining control, and helping horses face challenges with confidence. Instead of relying on tiring a horse out, Gascon focuses on communication, groundwork, and respect—laying the foundation for safer, calmer, and more enjoyable rides.
This clinic highlighted essential lessons for riders who want to prepare their horses for trail riding, desensitization, and real-world obstacles.
Why Groundwork Matters Before Facing Obstacles
Before tackling any obstacle, Gascon emphasizes one principle: if you can’t control your horse on the ground, you won’t control it under saddle.
-
Horses must respect personal space and back up willingly.
-
Attention should stay on the handler, not on distractions like birds, crowds, or other horses.
-
Flexibility on both sides of the body (the horse’s “steering wheel”) is non-negotiable.
This foundation ensures that the horse listens, respects, and remains calm when pressure or challenges arise.
Respect and Leadership: Becoming the Alpha
Horses are herd animals. The first thing they do when introduced to each other is determine who’s in charge. Riders must establish themselves as the alpha leader before obstacles can be addressed.
Gascon teaches:
-
Keep horses outside your personal bubble unless invited.
-
Demand small obediences, like backing and lowering the head.
-
Address resistance immediately—because every refusal is a horse testing leadership.
By setting boundaries early, horses learn to see the rider as a trustworthy leader.
Preparing Sensitive and Hot Horses
Not all horses respond the same way. Hotter breeds like Paso Finos, Tennessee Walkers, and Thoroughbreds require a different approach than lazy or cold-blooded types.
Key takeaways for sensitive horses:
-
Avoid lunging to exhaustion—this only increases adrenaline.
-
Keep sessions calm and educational, not physical.
-
Use tools like flags, ropes, or tarps to challenge them, but reward standing still and relaxation.
The goal is not to make a horse fearless, but to teach it how to respond calmly to fear.
Controlling the Head: The Key to Control
One of Gascon’s strongest lessons is simple: control the head, control the horse.
-
A horse with its head high has more adrenaline and less focus.
-
Lowering the head releases endorphins, creating calmness.
-
Flexing side to side softens resistance and prevents running, rearing, or bucking.
Without head control, no amount of training aids or stronger bits will fix problems.
Overcoming Obstacles Under Saddle
Once groundwork is complete, it’s time to tackle obstacles. Gascon stresses:
1. Sit Back and Relax
When facing spooky situations, riders often tense up. Horses feel this instantly. Instead:
-
Sit back deep in the saddle like a cutting horse rider.
-
Keep reins loose but ready.
-
Let the horse commit to the obstacle before correcting speed.
2. Look Where You Want to Go
Energy flows where attention goes. If riders stare at the scary object, horses will too. Instead, look past the obstacle and ride with confidence.
3. Allow Forward Motion
When a horse surges through water, poles, or tight spaces, let them. It’s better to go forward quickly than refuse. Once the horse commits, then slow them down.
Practical Obstacle Exercises
Gascon uses a variety of exercises to test confidence and respect:
-
Water crossings – Teach horses to commit, then relax on the other side.
-
Tarps and flags – Desensitize without letting the horse bolt or freeze.
-
Soccer balls – Build confidence by chasing, pushing, and allowing it to “chase back.”
Each exercise reinforces the rider’s leadership and the horse’s ability to face pressure without panic.
Patience with Progress
Some horses may pass these tests in 15 minutes. Others take an hour or more. The point isn’t speed—it’s consistency. Gascon reminds riders:
-
“The more time you spend on the ground, the less time you’ll struggle in the saddle.”
-
Horses learn at their own pace, and pushing past fear too quickly leads to setbacks.
Conclusion
The Equine Affaire Clinic – Overcoming Obstacles showcased that horsemanship is less about dominating and more about communicating. By building respect, focusing on groundwork, and controlling the head, riders can help their horses overcome fear, build confidence, and navigate obstacles safely.
For trail riders, competitive riders, and everyday horse owners, these lessons prove that success comes not from force but from clarity, respect, and patience.
