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...

In this Q&A session with eighth-grade riders, horse trainer Michael Gascon breaks down the critical skill of disengaging the hindquarters—a key step in gaining total control of your horse, especially...

The jog trot is a crucial gait for developing a calm, responsive horse with a quiet mind. It allows riders to refine cues, improve collection, and teach softness without triggering...

Struggling with a hot, sensitive horse that just won’t walk calmly? In this clinic, Michael Gascon shares proven strategies to de-escalate runaway energy without a fight—using spirals, crooked backups, and...

In this final session of the Horse Hop Challenge, Michael Gascon answers rider questions about speed transitions, collection, and solving common riding issues. He explains how to cue downward transitions...

In Michael Gascon's Crystal Clear Communication clinic at the 2019 World Horse Expo, he shared essential horsemanship lessons on controlling a horse’s mind before its body. With a mix of...

Confidence in the saddle isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about preparation and control. From mastering your seat to gaining full control of your horse’s head and hindquarters, every small step builds trust...

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...

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...

Ready to take your roping skills to the next level? In this blog post, we break down the fundamentals of roping from horseback, including proper body position, swing technique, and...

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...

If your horse struggles to relax in the trailer, the solution starts long before loading up. Regular tie time—just letting your horse stand quietly while tied—teaches patience and calmness. By...