The jog trot is a crucial gait for developing a calm, responsive horse with a quiet mind. It allows riders to refine cues, improve collection, and teach softness without triggering...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

In this post, Michael Gascon breaks down when and why to introduce a shank bit in your horse’s training. Using a five-year-old mare named Diva as an example, he explains...

Transitioning your horse to bitless riding can enhance comfort and communication, fostering a stronger bond between you and your horse. By gradually introducing the bitless bridle, adjusting your riding techniques,...

A strong backup is essential for improving your horse’s balance, collection, and responsiveness. In this guide, we break down how to teach your horse to guide while backing up using...

Teaching your horse to work a gate smoothly is an essential skill for any rider, improving control, patience, and responsiveness. By guiding your horse through proper positioning, side-passing, and backing...

The Turn and Burn exercise is a key drill for improving your horse's spins, focusing on pivoting on the correct foot for smoother, more controlled movements. This technique helps the...