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,...

Ground tying is a valuable skill that teaches your horse to stay calmly in one spot without physical restraint. By combining desensitization, relaxation techniques, and consistent practice, you can build...

Struggling to get your hot or sensitive horse to walk calmly? In this post, Michael Gascon shares a powerful yet gentle technique called the spiral, designed to redirect your horse’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...

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 Part 5 of our Intro to Driving series, we follow Mango, a 17-year-old Paso Fino, as he progresses from ponying to confidently pulling a cart. This session focuses on...

Learn how to teach your horse the “Come Get Me” trick, also known as the Statue of Liberty mount, with step-by-step guidance from horse trainer Michael Gascon. This fun and...

Training a green horse to navigate finesse obstacles like the railroad step over builds confidence, precision, and trail-readiness. Unlike push obstacles, these require a horse to slow down and think...

Picking up a young horse’s feet for the first time can be tricky, especially with a hot or sensitive colt. In this blog post, Michael Gascon walks through a safe,...

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...

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...