Horse Training
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Finding Your Seat: How to Build Confidence in the Saddle
Finding your seat is the foundation of confident, clear communication in the saddle. A secure riding position helps you stay balanced when your horse stops, turns, spooks, or changes direction...
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Do’s and Don’ts of 10th Grade: Disengaging the Shoulders
Disengaging your horse’s shoulders is an important groundwork exercise that builds better control, communication, and responsiveness. The key is to maintain forward motion, keep a soft bend, and apply clear...
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Do’s and Don’ts of Fourth-Grade Mounting
Fourth-grade mounting is about preparing your horse for every part of the process before you fully get in the saddle. By organizing your reins, preparing the stirrup and shoulder area,...
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Intro to Roping: Rein Management From Horseback
Learning to rope from horseback starts with clear rein and rope management. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to hold your reins and coils in one hand, keep your...
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Using A Breeching For Gait Work
Did you know a breeching can help your gaited horse move with better collection and balance? In this post, Michael Gascon explains how this traditional mule tack, when fitted correctly,...
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Do's And Don'ts Of 1st Grade - Undivided Attention
First Grade training, as taught by Michael Gascon, focuses on developing undivided attention and respect through intentional groundwork—not traditional lunging. By using proper hand positions, close proximity, and clear body...
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Bits Intro Video #2
In this deep dive into Part 2 of Michael Gascon’s bit series, we explore how bit design affects communication, responsiveness, and training efficiency. Michael explains why pressure isn’t about punishment—it’s...
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Getting A Better Stop
Want to improve your horse’s stop? In this blog post, we break down the key steps to developing a responsive, respectful stop—whether you're working on a basic halt or building...
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Do's And Don'ts Of 11th Grade - Push Obstacles
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...
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Bitting Your Gaited Horse
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...
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Intro To Driving Part 4
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...
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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...
