Struggling to get your hot or sensitive horse to walk calmly? In this post, Michael Gascon shares a powerful yet gentle technique called the spiral, designed to redirect your horse’s...

Second grade in horse training is where the real learning begins—teaching your horse to stand still and stay calm no matter what’s going on. This stage focuses on desensitizing using...

Building a respectful bond with your horse starts from the ground up. By using a clear, step-by-step training system—from preschool groundwork to under-saddle readiness—you can develop trust, control, and clear...

Want your horse to canter with ease and confidence? This blog explores how mastering hip control and riding on a loose rein can dramatically improve your horse’s balance, responsiveness, and...

Using a breeching on your gaited horse offers major benefits for balance, collection, and saddle stability—especially on challenging terrain. It gently encourages the horse to keep their hind end underneath...

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 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...

Turning your horse outside for the first time can be a natural and beneficial experience, but it’s important to understand the dynamics at play. Horses will establish a pecking order,...

Flexing in motion is a crucial skill for developing softness, responsiveness, and control in your horse. Instead of attempting to flex both sides at once, it's best to start by...

Negative horse behaviors on the trail, such as biting, kicking, or being buddy sour, are not the real problem—they're symptoms of a deeper issue: lack of respect and attention. Instead...

Training a horse to stop confidently is essential for both safety and control. By using consistent cues, proper body positioning, and rewarding the right response, you can teach your horse...