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...

Yes, your gaited horse can learn to spin — and do it beautifully! In this blog post, Michael Gascon breaks down the step-by-step method for teaching a gaited horse to...

Teaching your horse to side pass isn’t just about movement—it’s about timing, feel, and trust. In this session, Michael Gascon demonstrates how to break down the side pass into clear,...

Using a solid bridle on your horse can dramatically improve consistency, confidence, and control—especially for gaited horses. Unlike a snaffle, a solid mouthpiece helps align the horse’s head, neck, and...

Struggling with a spooky or overly athletic horse? The Power of a Circle exercise, taught by Michael Gascon and demonstrated with Chance, helps refocus your horse’s energy and improve their...

Mastering 11th grade "push obstacles" is all about building confidence, control, and clear communication with your horse. In this stage, you'll learn how to guide your horse through fear of...

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...

Teaching your horse to drop its head for bridling is a valuable skill that enhances both safety and communication. This Western-style approach works best with a respectful, well-trained horse that...

Teaching a gaited horse to collect and gait smoothly takes more than just natural ability—it requires clear, consistent communication and proper conditioning. In this clinic session, Michael Gascon works with...