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...

The Thunderdome is a high-energy, controlled chaos training method designed to help horses and riders thrive in unpredictable situations. By exposing horses to distractions like flying soccer balls, pool noodles,...

Tying a horse to the outside of a trailer requires more than just looping a rope—it's about safety, strategy, and knowing your horse. In this post, we cover the best...

Disengaging the shoulders from the ground is a key step in developing full-body control and respect in your horse. In this 10th-grade lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to use forward...

Disengaging the hindquarters is a key safety and control skill every horse trainer should master. In this 8th-grade horsemanship lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to teach a horse to move...

Speed transitions on a gaited horse are all about clarity, consistency, and timing. In this training session, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to create smooth, responsive transitions from slow gait to...

When your horse fails "first grade" training, it’s not a failure—it’s a chance to adapt your approach. In this session, Michael Gascon works with Smokey, a stiff and resistant horse,...

Did you know a breeching can help your gaited horse move with better collection and balance? In this post, Michael Gascon explains how this traditional mule tack, when fitted correctly,...

Curious about the unique tack used in Paso Fino training and competition? In this informative guide, Michael Gascon breaks down the Paso-specific bits, hackamores, and double-rein setup that...

In this session from Michael Gascon’s Respect Series with Monty, we dive into the step-by-step process of teaching horses to back and side pass with softness and precision. Through consistent...

First Grade training, as taught by Michael Gascon, focuses on developing undivided attention and respect through intentional groundwork—not traditional lunging. By using proper hand positions, close proximity, and clear body...

In this clinic recap, Michael Gascon shares practical techniques for improving softness, balance, and consistency in gaited horses. He explains how controlling the head leads to better body control, why...