Horse Training
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Starting To Gait On A Green Horse
Starting a green gaited horse is all about balance—teaching them when to use their energy and when to relax. In this session, Michael Gascon works with Bambi, a young Paso...
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Equine Affaire Clinic - Overcoming Obstacles
At the Equine Affaire Clinic – Overcoming Obstacles, Michael Gascon demonstrated how respect and clear communication are the keys to helping horses face challenges with confidence. Instead of tiring a...
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Do's And Don'ts of Kindergarten - Respect
Respect is the foundation of every successful partnership between horse and rider, and it starts in the kindergarten stage of training. By teaching your horse to stay out of your...
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Pre-School Q & A
Starting horse training doesn’t begin in the saddle—it begins on the ground with clear communication and respect. In this Pre-School Q & A, Michael Gascon explains how groundwork helps identify...
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Fifth-Grade Horse Training Q&A: Flexing, Groundwork, Tying, and Long-Lining
Flexing is more than a simple groundwork exercise—it helps create the steering wheel you need for safer, clearer communication with your horse. In this fifth-grade Q&A, you’ll learn how far...
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Benefits of Using a Solid Bridle on Your Gaited Horse
A solid bridle can help a properly prepared gaited horse develop more unified one-handed control and a steadier feel in the contact. Unlike a jointed snaffle, a solid mouthpiece provides...
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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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Garrocha Pole Horseback Riding: Building Softness, Control, and Connection
Garrocha pole horseback riding is a traditional horsemanship exercise that helps develop softness, responsiveness, and one-handed control. By working around and alongside the pole, horses learn to stay relaxed while...
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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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Eighth Grade: Disengage Your Horse’s Hindquarters
Disengaging your horse’s hindquarters teaches them to move the hind end away from pressure while keeping their head connected to you. By starting with light cues, increasing pressure only as...
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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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Second-Grade Desensitizing: Teach Your Horse to Stand Still
Second-grade desensitizing teaches your horse to stand still, stay connected, and wait for guidance when something feels unfamiliar. Using tools such as a lead rope, flag stick, tarp, and ball,...
