Horse Training
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Neck Reining Part 2
In Part 2 of Michael Gascon's neck reining series, he continues working with Rocket, a Rocky Mountain Horse, to build softness, responsiveness, and one-handed control. This session emphasizes the importance...
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Moving To A Solid Bit
Wondering when to transition your horse to a solid bit? The key indicators are trust, control, and refinement—when you no longer need to pull or flex your horse and can...
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From Trot To Gait - WA Clinic
In this clinic session, Michael Gascon works with a 10-year-old Paso Fino struggling with trotting, stumbling, and a lack of energy. Through a mix of groundwork, saddle work, and strategic...
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Bits Intro Video #1
In this post, Michael Gascon breaks down when and why to introduce a shank bit in your horse’s training. Using a five-year-old mare named Diva as an example, he explains...
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Guiding The Backup
A strong backup is essential for improving your horse’s balance, collection, and responsiveness. In this guide, we break down how to teach your horse to guide while backing up using...
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Differences For Throwing A Head Loop Versus Heal Loop
Mastering the heel loop is all about precision, technique, and the right hand positioning. Unlike a head loop, your hand should finish vertically with your pinky down and thumb up,...
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How To Get Your Gaited Horse Gaiting Faster
Looking to get your gaited horse moving faster while maintaining smooth, controlled gaits? In this blog, we break down effective techniques for increasing your horse's speed, from engaging their hindquarters...
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Prepping For Extreme Obstacles Using The Respect Series With Nakaia Day 1
Teaching your horse to work a gate smoothly is an essential skill for any rider, improving control, patience, and responsiveness. By guiding your horse through proper positioning, side-passing, and backing...
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Turning Your Horse Outside For The First Time
Turning your horse outside for the first time can be a natural and beneficial experience, but it’s important to understand the dynamics at play. Horses will establish a pecking order,...
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Turn And Burn Exercise For Spins/Spinning
The Turn and Burn exercise is a key drill for improving your horse's spins, focusing on pivoting on the correct foot for smoother, more controlled movements. This technique helps the...
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Do's And Don't of 5th Grade - Flexing
Flexing in motion is a crucial skill for developing softness, responsiveness, and control in your horse. Instead of attempting to flex both sides at once, it's best to start by...
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Getting Better Control Of Your Horse's Shoulders
Mastering control of your horse's shoulders is key to improving balance, steering, and overall performance. This guide covers essential groundwork techniques and under-saddle exercises to help your horse respond to...