First Grade training, as taught by Michael Gascon, focuses on developing undivided attention and respect through intentional groundwork—not traditional lunging. By using proper hand positions, close proximity, and clear body...

In this deep dive into Part 2 of Michael Gascon’s bit series, we explore how bit design affects communication, responsiveness, and training efficiency. Michael explains why pressure isn’t about punishment—it’s...

Flexing in motion is a vital skill for developing softness, balance, and responsiveness in gaited horses. In this blog post, Michael Gascon breaks down the do’s and don’ts of lateral...

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...

Driving a gaited horse up into the bridle means creating balance, collection, and control by engaging the hind end while maintaining softness in the front. Instead of just moving forward,...

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...

In Neck Reining Part 3, Michael Gascon continues the journey of teaching Rocky, a Rocky Percheron cross, how to respond confidently to one-handed cues. This session focuses on blending rein,...

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...

Want to improve your horse’s stop? In this blog post, we break down the key steps to developing a responsive, respectful stop—whether you're working on a basic halt or building...

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...

Learning to rope while riding one-handed is a great way to test your horsemanship and take your training to the next level. In this beginner-friendly intro to roping, Michael Gascon...