In this Day 1 training session with Nakaia, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to turn fear into focus by building respect through foundational groundwork and clear communication. By reinforcing softness in...

In this deep dive into Part 2 of Michael Gascon’s bit series, we explore how bit design affects communication, responsiveness, and training efficiency. Michael explains why pressure isn’t about punishment—it’s...

Flexing in motion is a vital skill for developing softness, balance, and responsiveness in gaited horses. In this blog post, Michael Gascon breaks down the do’s and don’ts of lateral...

Preparing your horse for garrocha stick work starts with building trust and confidence using a simple tarp. In this foundational lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to desensitize your horse by...

Driving a gaited horse up into the bridle means creating balance, collection, and control by engaging the hind end while maintaining softness in the front. Instead of just moving forward,...

Struggling with a hot or sensitive horse that just won’t walk? The spiral exercise, taught by horse trainer Michael Gascon, offers a calm, effective way to redirect excess energy without...

In this advanced horsemanship Q\&A, Michael Gascon breaks down the essential techniques for teaching horses to disengage their shoulders—a key 10th-grade skill. Using a combination of groundwork and saddle work,...

The Houlihan is a unique roping technique that allows riders to reverse their swing and rope from the opposite side of their horse. Popular in rodeo and ranch work, it’s...

Preparing a Paso Fino for the Pleasure Division at the Grand National Championships takes precision, patience, and a well-trained off switch. Michael Gascon, the Horse Guru, showcases how his gelding...

In Neck Reining Part 3, Michael Gascon continues the journey of teaching Rocky, a Rocky Percheron cross, how to respond confidently to one-handed cues. This session focuses on blending rein,...

Want to improve your horse’s stop? In this blog post, we break down the key steps to developing a responsive, respectful stop—whether you're working on a basic halt or building...

Learning to rope while riding one-handed is a great way to test your horsemanship and take your training to the next level. In this beginner-friendly intro to roping, Michael Gascon...