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...

Training a green horse to navigate finesse obstacles like the railroad step over builds confidence, precision, and trail-readiness. Unlike push obstacles, these require a horse to slow down and think...

A solid stop is one of the most important foundations in horsemanship, and the “6th Grade Stop” teaches your horse exactly that — when you say “whoa,” they shut down...

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 sensitive or explosive horse doesn’t have to take years—it’s all about clear communication and consistency. By focusing on relaxation, controlling the horse’s head, and adjusting body posture, you...

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...

Starting your horse's training early can set the stage for a lifetime of trust and cooperation. By gently handling and desensitizing foals from their first days, you help them become...

Struggling with a hot gaited horse that won’t walk calmly on the trail? The key isn’t pulling harder or adding more movement—it’s learning how to control the head and create...

Long lining is one of the safest and most effective ways to build communication, softness, and control before ever riding a horse. In this foundational training method, horses learn to...

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...