In this training session with Belle, a tense Standardbred pacer, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to transform stiffness and anxiety into softness and gait. By focusing on poll flexion, timing, and...

Preparing your horse for garrocha stick work starts with building trust and confidence using a simple tarp. In this foundational lesson, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to desensitize your horse by...

Grooming your horse isn’t just about appearance — it’s a key part of training, bonding, and long-term coat health. In this guide, Michael Gascon walks you through how to achieve...

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 this advanced horsemanship Q\&A, Michael Gascon breaks down the essential techniques for teaching horses to disengage their shoulders—a key 10th-grade skill. Using a combination of groundwork and saddle work,...

Want to make your horse calm, confident, and obstacle-ready? The key is patience training through daily tying routines and environmental exposure. In this blog post, Michael Gascon shares simple yet...

Proper halter fit is essential for safe and effective horse training, and in this post, Michael Gascon walks you through how to fit a natural horsemanship rope halter using his...

Building respect through groundwork is the foundation of every great horse-human partnership. In this Kindergarten Q\&A, Michael Gascon explains why backing up, handling pressure, and working just outside the horse’s...

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...

Teaching your horse to side pass isn’t just about movement—it’s about timing, feel, and trust. In this session, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to break down the side pass into clear,...

Struggling with a spooky or overly athletic horse? The Power of a Circle exercise, taught by Michael Gascon and demonstrated with Chance, helps refocus your horse’s energy and improve their...

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...