Flexing is one of the most important foundations in horse training because it gives you a steering wheel before you ever ride off. By teaching your horse to soften and...

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...

Horses, like children, can throw temper tantrums when they’re frustrated, confused, or testing boundaries. Bucking, rearing, or refusing cues often point to gaps in training and a lack of respect...

Struggling with a stiff or distracted horse under saddle? In this 9th Grade Q\&A session, horse trainer Michael Gascon shares practical tips for improving flexing in motion, softening resistance, and...

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...

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...

Mastering 11th grade "push obstacles" is all about building confidence, control, and clear communication with your horse. In this stage, you'll learn how to guide your horse through fear of...

Bitting a gaited horse correctly is key to unlocking a smooth, consistent ride. In this clinic, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to introduce a finished bit to an Icelandic horse and...

Opening and closing a gate on horseback doesn’t have to be complicated—even if your horse is green or unpolished. In this post, Michael Gascon demonstrates a simple, safe method using...

Gaining control of your horse’s head is the first step to gaining control of their body—and their mind. In this blog post, we explore how teaching your horse to drop...

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...

Rollbacks on long lines are an essential horse training technique for improving control, responsiveness, and safety. By using long reins to guide a horse's movement, trainers can address problem behaviors...