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,...

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...

Learning to rope may seem intimidating, but with the right fundamentals, anyone can master it—no matter your age or experience. In this beginner-friendly guide, you'll discover how to handle a...

Grooming your horse isn’t just about appearance — it’s a key part of training, bonding, and long-term coat health. In this guide, Michael Gascon walks you through how to achieve...

Building respect through groundwork is the foundation of every great horse-human partnership. In this Kindergarten Q\&A, Michael Gascon explains why backing up, handling pressure, and working just outside the horse’s...

Preschool is the crucial first step in colt starting, where a horse’s respect, responsiveness, and mindset are evaluated before any saddle work begins. In this phase, Michael Gascon uses free...

Discover the fundamentals of long lining and ground driving with Michael Gascon and Tito, a young Paso Fino colt. In this introductory session, Michael demonstrates how to safely teach left...

Training a green horse to navigate finesse obstacles like the railroad step over builds confidence, precision, and trail-readiness. Unlike push obstacles, these require a horse to slow down and think...

Riding a spooky, young, athletic horse can feel intimidating, but success comes from redirecting energy—not resisting it. By using soft, one-rein redirection and keeping your horse moving forward, you can...

Picking up a young horse’s feet for the first time can be tricky, especially with a hot or sensitive colt. In this blog post, Michael Gascon walks through a safe,...

In Part 4 of the “Intro to Driving” series, Michael Gascon works with Amy, a young warmblood filly overcoming hesitation and shutdown behavior under harness. This session focuses on building...

The MG Saddle, also known as the Keester Holder, was designed by horse trainer Michael Gascon to boost rider confidence and security in the saddle. With features like a high...