Breaking up pace in gaited horses starts with one simple foundation: control of the head. In this session from Michael Gascon’s Respect Series with Smokey – Day 2, we see...

Using a solid bridle on your gaited horse offers two major benefits: improved responsiveness and enhanced collection. Unlike snaffle bits, a solid bar bit provides consistent, pinch-free contact that helps...

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...

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...

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...

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 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,...

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...

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...

Teaching your gaited horse smooth transitions between walk, trot, and canter can dramatically improve their relaxation, responsiveness, and versatility. In this post, we work with Flip, a formerly high-strung Paso...

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...

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...