Struggling with a hot, sensitive horse that just won’t walk calmly? In this clinic, Michael Gascon shares proven strategies to de-escalate runaway energy without a fight—using spirals, crooked backups, and...

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 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...

In Michael Gascon's Crystal Clear Communication clinic at the 2019 World Horse Expo, he shared essential horsemanship lessons on controlling a horse’s mind before its body. With a mix of...

Teaching your gaited horse smooth transitions between walk, trot, and canter can dramatically improve their relaxation, responsiveness, and versatility. In this post, we work with Flip, a formerly high-strung Paso...

Introducing a green horse to the cowboy curtain is a powerful way to build confidence and control through thoughtful redirection. In this lesson with Thunder, we transition from round pen...

Confidence in the saddle isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about preparation and control. From mastering your seat to gaining full control of your horse’s head and hindquarters, every small step builds trust...

Wondering what products we actually use every day at the ranch? From dollar store olive oil spray to affordable fly control and shampoo hacks, we’ve found cost-effective grooming tools that...

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...

Struggling with a strong, reactive, or buck-prone horse? The 7th Grade Spiral is a game-changing groundwork exercise that builds softness, respect, and responsiveness. In this post, Michael Gascon breaks down...

Training a young foal starts with building trust and communication through simple, respectful steps. In this session, we introduce Dashi to leading using a halter and a butt rope, reinforcing...

Wondering when to transition your horse to a solid bit? The key indicators are trust, control, and refinement—when you no longer need to pull or flex your horse and can...